WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — A rape suspect is in jail after police in West Palm Beach said an officer-in-training spotted the man last weekend.
Police said a 32-year-old woman who lives in southwest West Palm Beach was lying in bed just before noon Sunday when she heard the door to her efficiency opening.
The intruder, who had his shirt wrapped around his face, forced his way inside her home while the victim tried to shut the door.
As the victim tried to scream for help, investigators said the suspect covered her mouth and threatened to kill her if she yelled.
Police said the attacker raped the woman and at one point, threatened her with a knife.
During the attack, the victim was able to hit the suspect with a perfume bottle and tried to fend him off with a broomstick.
The victim called 911 and officers began searching the neighborhood, which included K-9s from West Palm Beach and a bloodhound from Jupiter Police Department, as well as a helicopter from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
Just after 1:30 p.m., a man matching the suspect's description was spotted walking northbound in the 4300 block of Parker Avenue by an officer-in-training.
The man was detained and identified as Rolando Amilcar Palma Medina, 38. He was brought to police headquarters to be interviewed.
Officers learned there were outstanding warrants for Palma Medina. He was booked into the main Palm Beach County jail on Sunday for the outstanding warrants and later charged with the rape and break-in of the woman's home.
Police urged anyone who may be a victim of Palma Medina to call Detective Francisco Maldonado at 561-822-1655 or Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at **TIPS (8477), 800-458-TIPS.
