DeLand: Teen charged with kidnapping and attempted sexual battery

A 17-year-old male is in juvenile detention after being charged with kidnapping, attempted sexual battery, and resisting arrest without violence in DeLand, Florida. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office announced the charges on Wednesday for an incident that occurred Tuesday evening.

Deputies said the suspect approached a woman from behind near the intersection of South Blue Lake Avenue and Windy Knoll Lane at 5:30 p.m. The officer report stated he pushed her to the ground and grabbed her clothing. The woman fought back and pursued the teenager, calling out for assistance during the chase.

K-9 units located the suspect after he fled the scene. Deputies took him into custody and held him at the local juvenile detention center. The sheriff's office confirmed the charges but did not release the suspect's name or a mug shot, citing his minor status.

Officials have not determined if the two parties knew each other prior to the encounter. The specific motive for the attack remains under investigation. The extent of the woman's physical injuries was not disclosed in the initial release.

The case originated from a social media post by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office. The investigation is ongoing as deputies review evidence from the Tuesday afternoon incident.