Residents in Golden Gate are on alert after a woman told Collier County deputies she was attacked and sexually molested early Sunday morning while she slept, by an unknown man who entered her home.
Two similar crimes the same area within the past year are believed to be connected to each other, but a sheriff's office spokeswoman said detectives do not know if the latest attack is also linked to those crimes.
"That's something that deputies are working to determine right now," said Kristine Gill of the Collier County Sheriff's Office. "But obviously, it's on their minds."
Golden Gate resident Carmen Zapata said she has been on alert ever since August, when a man broke into a woman's home and sexually assaulted her. Detectives believe that suspect is also responsible for a sexual assault in June.
"After that day, (I am always) aware to lock the doors," Zapata said. "Especially because I have two girls."
"The other thing we're recommending for sliding doors, is to get something you can stick in that well, so that even if the lock is compromised, it actually can't physically slide," Gill said.
The suspect in the latest incident is described as Hispanic, bald or balding, about 5'8" with a muscular build. The victim told deputies he wore dark-colored sweatpants, but no shirt.
Anyone with information in any of the crimes is asked to call the Collier County Sheriff's Office at 239-252-9300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS.
