Man with facial spider tattoo sought in attack

Eric Ortiz, of Deltona, wanted on felony charges

Eric Ortiz.

DELTONA, Fla. – A Central Florida man with a very distinct facial tattoo -- a large spider -- is wanted on several felony charges in connection with attacks on his now ex-girlfriend.

Eric Ortiz, 22, of Deltona, who has the spider tattoo on his right cheek, is wanted on charges of kidnapping, battery, false imprisonment, attempted sexual battery without force, tampering with a witness, robbery by sudden snatching and preventing someone from calling 911.

Recommended Videos



The most recent charges stem from Saturday when, according to Volusia County deputies, Ortiz found his ex-girlfriend, who was in hiding at a friend's home in Altamonte Springs after breaking up with him.

Deputies said Ortiz somehow entered the home at 3 a.m. and convinced his ex to talk outside.  They then got into a car, and Ortiz told her to drop charges against him from a February incident in which he's accused of putting a box cutter to her neck.

The woman said she would think about it, but Ortiz, who held onto her by her hair so she couldn't escape the car, drove to Deltona, deputies said.

Ortiz then repeatedly punched the woman in her ribs and later tried to rape her, according to deputies, who said he then put his arms around the woman and they fell asleep.

When Ortiz awakened, he brushed his teeth, and the woman ran from the house, asking a neighbor to call 911, Volusia sheriff's investigators said.

Ortiz then fled and has not been located.

Last month, a Daytona Beach News-Journal reporter asked Ortiz about his tattoo, and he said he got it to face his fears.

"Everybody fears spiders," Ortiz said. "That's why I got it. Just to, like, make me know, that that's what I fear, but not to fear it. You know what I'm saying?"

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ortiz is asked to call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 888-277-TIPS.


Recommended Videos