A New Port Richey man is accused of sexually battering a 16-year-old girl before a Good Samaritan stepped in to help.
According to Clearwater Police, the girl was at a beach with friends when she met Joseph Hartzog, 18. According to an arrest report, the victim and suspect walked around the beach getting to know each other around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Hartog allegedly made an unwanted advance on the victim and forced himself on her. The girl screamed for help and a Good Samaritan "came to her aide," the report stated. The report did not state how the Good Samaritan helped the girl.
The suspect fled and initially got away, but during the course of their investigation, Hartzog was identified as the suspect.
Detectives said the victim positively identified Hartzog as the suspect. Hartzog was located and arrested for one count of sexual battery.
The victim and Good Samaritan have not been identified.