The 47-year-old man charged with a sex attack on a 14-year-old boy is scheduled to appear in court today.
According to Tampa police, Steven Taylor started a conversation with the 14-year-old boy, who was walking home in the 900 block of east 28th Avenue Tuesday night.
Officials said as the boy began walking away from Taylor, the man grabbed the boy and forced him into a shed behind an empty home and raped him.
After a struggle, the teen managed to run away and found an officer nearby on Nebraska Avenue. Taylor was arrested a short time later.
Neighbors were horrified when they heard about the attack.
"I got young kids. I send them to the store by themselves, stuff like that. Makes you more cautious of your neighborhood, stuff you're around," said Michael Richardson.
People in the area said the alley already had a shady reputation. The shed is tucked behind an abandoned home. A filthy mattress lies on the floor inside and condoms and underwear litter the ground outside. Neighbors said it's an area known for prostitution and drug sales.
According to state records, Taylor was released from state prison in June after serving about three years for burglary.
He faces charges of sexual battery and kidnapping. Taylor is being held without bail at the Hillsborough County Jail.