LEE COUNTY, Fla. — According to Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO), a female was violently attacked in the woods after getting a ride home from someone who was at the same nightclub as her.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said the victim was leaving the Romance Night Club on Palm Beach Boulevard in Fort Myers when the driver, who has been identified as Julio Velazquez, offered to give her a lift home.
Marceno said the victim begged the driver to take her home, but he ignored her and continued driving the wrong way.
LCSO said the car eventually pulled over and Velazquez ordered the victim out of the car. The victim exited the vehicle and armed herself with a broken bottle, but Velazquez overpowered her and began beating her until she fell unconscious.
When the victim woke up she found Velazques raping her and threatening to kill her. Eventually, she fled and hid in the woods until Velazques left the scene of the crime.
Marceno said the victim then went into a neighborhood and began knocking on doors for help.
A good samaritan was able to help the victim and immediately call LCSO to begin investigating.
During the investigation, analyst were able use the victim's descriptions to locate the car and driver.
Velazquez has been charged with kidnapping and sexual battery.
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