Intruder sought after attacking, choking woman in Brevard

Motive for Merritt Island attack not known

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. – A woman was attacked and choked unconscious inside her Brevard County home Monday morning, and deputies are seeking the public's help in identifying the intruder.

The incident happened at the Country Club apartments located at 1155 North Courtenay Parkway on Merritt Island, just across the street from Merritt Island High School.

Brevard County sheriff's deputies said a man forced his way into the woman's home, struck her and began choking her with an unknown object until she lost consciousness.

"I had a detective come to my door this morning," said Alexus Christian, who lives down the hall from where the incident happened. "She said there was a guy, that his MO is going to knock on doors. He stays away from the peephole, and some people, when they go to open it, that's when he comes in."

Christian and others in the neighborhood said they are on edge after hearing about what happened.

"The guy looks very, very familiar. I know I've seen him here many times in our building," said Christian.

Several people in the complex said they recognize the man in the composite sketch. Investigators are hoping someone comes forward with information about him and a possible name.

Detectives said they don't know why the man chose this particular apartment or woman to attack.

The woman's condition has not been released.

The woman described the intruder as a black man who may be 20 to 30 years old. She said he is about 5 feet 11 inches tall, 180 pounds, with a goatee.  He was wearing a blue shirt at the time of the attack.

Deputies on Tuesday released a sketch of the man.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS


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