Police arrest two suspects in connection to abduction, sexual assault of woman in Riviera Beach

UPDATE:

Jupiter police have arrested 2 suspects in connection with the abduction and sexual assault of a woman, in Riviera Beach Wednesday night.

According to authorities, Benjamin Goldwire Jr., and Carlton E. Thomas Jr. were arrested in Port St. Lucie.

Police say the suspects had an AK-47 rifle in their possession at the time of their arrest.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.

EARLIER STORY:

RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. – Riviera Beach police are seeking two men suspected of abducting a woman by gunpoint in Jupiter Wednesday night and later sexually assaulting her in Riviera Beach.

The victim, who was able to escape, was taken to a vacant home in Riviera Beach where the sexual assault took place, according to Riviera Beach police.

The two men drove her vehicle, which was later recovered, police said.

After escaping, the victim was able to flag down a patrolling police officer. Paramedics then transported her to a nearby hospital for treatment. 

Police say West Riviera Beach Elementary was on lockdown for part of Thursday morning because the two men were believed to be in the area.

Riviera Beach police describe them as males in their early to mid 20s – one with a dread hairstyle and one with a low cut hairstyle. They were wearing all black clothing at the time of the incident.

Police believe they had been on a crime "rampage." 

"We believe that they are still armed, we believe that they are dangerous, we believe they represent great danger to the community and any one in the county," said Riviera Beach Police spokeswoman Rose Anne Brown.

Police believe the pair is connected to a series of crimes that began last night around 10 p.m.

Two men matching the same description in the sexual assault robbed a Denny's in the 2700 block of Okeechobee Boulevard in West Palm Beach. They were armed with an assault weapon and pistol.

Palm Springs police think the pair stole a car from a Walgreens parking lot around 1:30 a.m.

Police chased the vehicle but broke off the pursuit because they thought it was only a property crime.

The men are also suspected of an overnight robbery at an IHOP in Lantana.

Riviera Beach police are asking anyone with information regarding the crimes to call 561-845-4123 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.