A 15-year-old boy is accused of attempted sexual assault on a 78-year-old Zephyrhills woman.
The teen was arrested Tuesday morning at Zephyrhills High School.
The attack happened last Friday night at the woman's home. According to deputies, the suspect forced his way into the victim’s home and a scuffle ensued.
During that struggle, deputies said the teen attempted to sexually assault the woman. She fought the suspect off and he fled the home on foot, according to deputies.
“She is in good spirits,” said Sheriff Chris Nocco. “She did a heroic job fighting off this subject.”
Nocco said the victim along with the community helped with the suspect's capture.
“She gave us very good information leading to the composite (sketch) that is very similar to the characteristics of the subject,” Nocco said. "A lot of the information we've been getting through social media allowed us to hone in on who the suspect was this morning.”
According to deputies, the suspect lives near the victim.
In accordance with our crime guidelines, we are not naming the suspect because he is a minor.
The teen will be charged with home invasion, attempted sexual battery and kidnapping.