Alleged rape, kidnapping suspect arrested months later, Florida police say

DELAND, Fla. - The DeLand Police Department held a news conference on Tuesday about a rape and kidnapping incident that happened in November 2019. 

They said that 48-year-old Rodrigo Reyes was arrested and charged with forcible rape and kidnapping in connection to the incident. He made his first appearance Thursday where a judge ordered he be held without bond.

The woman reportedly told police at the time that she was forced into a vehicle and raped in a wooded area. Law enforcement said that the woman was also run over during the incident and her arm was broken. She was only wearing a sweater when deputies found her.

"I’m glad they caught him. I’m glad he’s off the streets," said Andrea Howell, who lives in the neighborhood.

During the news conference, they said that using a suspect description from the victim and a vehicle description from the community, they were able to find Reyes.

He lives in the DeLeon Springs area and was caught with the victim's clothing was found in his vehicle. No other specifics about the evidence were provided as the investigation is ongoing.

Wednesday, police released the arrest report that revealed the victim begged for her life telling the suspect she was a mother of two. She told investigators she was run over by the suspect before he got off the car and began to "violently take her clothes off" and raped her. 

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They also said though that two other females came forward about Reyes doing the same to them. However, they did not file police reports. 

"If there are other victims out there that have been sexually battered by this person we’re certainly interested in talking with them," said Police Chief Jason Umberger.