According to a press release from Tampa police on Saturday, Joseph Killins, 38, has been charged with armed abduction, robbery with a handgun, armed sexual violence, and aggravated battery with a weapon.
The female victim, who is in her early 20s, had left her vehicle to make a delivery when the incident happened about 11 p.m. on Tuesday at a Residence Inn hotel, according to police.
Police say the man approached her with a revolver, forced her back into her vehicle, and ordered her to drive to Belara Lakes Apartments, where he sexually attacked her.
The woman was wearing her AirPods and talking on the phone with her girlfriend when she was abducted and assaulted, according to the police. Her girlfriend was aware of what was occurring. The victim’s relatives notified the police, who then used the victim’s phone to locate her.
The victim was taken from her vehicle when the family arrived at the apartment complex, according to the police, but the suspect opened fire on them while they were doing so. Police said that a lady in her 20s who is related to the victim’s girlfriend was shot.
Then the suspect escaped the area.
According to authorities, both victims were brought to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. In addition, police have provided details of a second crime Killins is accused of committing on Wednesday, the morning after the assault on the DoorDash driver, again at the Belara Lakes complex. A lady in her 40s was attacked in that event, and her bag was taken.
Killins was ultimately located at the Tampa Inn by detectives pursuing both cases, and there he was taken into custody on Friday night.
Interim Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw stated in a statement, “This criminal is now off the streets thanks to the tireless efforts of every Tampa Police Department employee and the support given by members of our community.” “The victims are still in my thoughts. They should be relieved that he has been arrested and will now stand trial for the crimes he choose to perpetrate.
