A registered sexual predator was arrested and charged Thursday after deputies said he committed a violent and brutal attack in Hernando County. 

  • Registered sex predator arrested for violent, brutal attack on woman
  • Lee Roy Rettley, 52, charged with attempted homicide/sexual battery, home invasion
  • Victim fought back and Rettley fled the area
  • Rettley was released from prison in February 

Lee Roy Rettley, 52, is charged with attempted homicide, attempted sexual battery, and home invasion. 

The incident happened around 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the victim's home. 

Investigators said Rettley was looking at a neighbor's AC unit when he noticed the victim visiting a neighbor's home. 

Rettley then went into the victim's living room, investigators said, and attacked the woman. Rettley put the woman in a chokehold, forced her into the bedroom, and stated, "I'm going to kill you, because you are going to call the cops when I leave," according to Major Jim Powers. 

Rettley tried to sexually assault her, but the victim fought back and struck Rettley in the head with an object, investigators said. 

Witnesses said they heard the victim calling for help and saw the suspect, Rettley, climbing out of the victim's bedroom window. 

Hernando deputies found Rettley hiding in a storm drain near the Hernando High School football stadium. 

Investigators said Rettley also stole money from the victim and told deputies after he was arrested that "he snapped." 

Officials said the victim received injuries to her face and her clothes were torn. She was taken to the hospital for treatment. 

According to officials, Rettley was released from prison in February.