ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A 71-year-old man is being held without bond after investigators say he assaulted a child inside an apartment complex gym in Orange County.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened Sunday evening at the Talia at Maitland Apartments. Deputies say a girl under the age of 12 was alone inside the community fitness center when the suspect, identified as Larry Lucas, approached her and assaulted her.
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Investigators say Lucas stepped outside the gym for several minutes after the alleged assault. During that time, deputies say the victim texted a relative to report what had happened.
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Authorities say the family immediately went to the fitness center. When they arrived, investigators say the gym door was locked with Lucas and the victim still inside. Deputies say family members were able to convince Lucas to unlock the door and then restrained him until law enforcement arrived.
Residents at the apartment complex reported seeing a heavy law enforcement presence following the incident.
“We saw the police over there, but we didn’t know what was going on,” said Ethan Sorey, who lives at the complex. “The whole area by the fitness center and leasing office was blocked off.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrested Lucas on a charge of lewd or lascivious molestation.
Detectives say they reviewed surveillance video from inside the fitness center, which they say corroborates the victim’s account.
“I’m happy they held him down instead of letting him get away,” said Isma Henrisme, a resident at the complex. “He deserves to be charged.”
Court records show Lucas has several prior felony drug arrests. He remains in custody at the Orange County Jail without bond.