A man, identified as Rolando Amilcar Palma Medina, 38, was arrested by West Palm Beach police on Sunday for allegedly breaking into an apartment and sexually assaulting a woman with a knife.
The incident occurred on October 8th around noon, when a 32-year-old woman in Southwest Palm Beach heard her apartment door open. She attempted to close it, but the intruder, who had a T-shirt covering his face, overpowered her and entered.
The victim tried to scream, but he threatened her with harm if she made noise. He proceeded to sexually assault her at knifepoint. Despite the ordeal, she managed to defend herself by hitting him with a perfume bottle and using a broomstick.
After the assault, the victim immediately called 911. The police swiftly initiated a search operation with the help of K-9 units, a bloodhound, and a helicopter.
The victim described the suspect as a Hispanic man in his late 30s or 40s, approximately 5 feet, 8 inches tall, wearing a striped polo shirt and shorts stained with blood.
Around 1:30 p.m., an officer-in-training spotted a man matching the suspect’s description walking northbound on Parker Avenue. The man, identified as Rolando Amilcar Palma Medina, was apprehended.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that there were existing warrants for his arrest.
He was taken to the police headquarters for questioning, and subsequently booked into the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Main Detention Center on October 8th for the outstanding warrants. He was later charged for the rape and break-in.
Anyone who may have been a victim of Palma Medina is urged to contact Detective Francisco Maldonado at 561-822-1655 or Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at **TIPS (8477), 800-458-TIPS, or online at www.crimestopperspbc.com. Anonymous tips are eligible for a cash reward.
