Investigation Continues Into Sexual Assault Of UHS Student

    The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the search for a suspect in an alleged sexual assault that occurred on Thursday, January 20.  Officials are searching for a black truck that could be connected with an incident where an Umatilla High School student was approached while walking away from school.
    There sheriff’s office released the following information on the incident:
    “On January 20, a juvenile female was walking from Umatilla High School at roughly 2:30 PM when she was honked at by a male in a black dually pickup and asked if she needed a ride. After getting into the vehicle the male drove her to an area east of Alexander Springs and forced her out of the truck and into the wood line where he sexually assaulted her and then left her there.  Detective Clay Watkins is searching for any information that might lead to the identity of the subject.
    “The subject is described as a tall white or mixed-race male in his late 20s with a skinny frame. He has a long black beard and dark messy, thick hair. At the time he was wearing dark blue jeans, a dark t-shirt with a white design on the front, and tennis shoes.
    “The vehicle is described as a newer black dually pick-up truck with a back seat (unknown if it was a crew/super/extended cab exactly). The victim described the back seat as messy and remembered there being a red composite notebook on the front passenger floorboard.  The truck also had light window tint, black leather interior and was lifted with off-road style tires and silver step bars on the sides. The victim described the large rectangular tow mirrors had what she believed to be a clear light attached to it, like an emergency flasher.  The truck was also pulling a construction style trailer.
    “If you have any information on this incident or believe you can identify the male subject and/or truck, please call law enforcement right away. You can call 352-343-9529 or provide an anonymous tip via our mobile app or via Central Florida Crimeline.”
    Fred Jones with the sheriff’s office on Tuesday encouraged anyone with information to please contact the office immediately.