Orlando assisted living facility assault: Deputies search for intruder who allegedly attacked senior
Officials searching for suspect who attacked elderly woman
Police are searching for a suspect in Orange County who allegedly attacked an elderly woman. FOX 35's Marlisa Goldsmith was live in studio with the latest.
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. - Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff's Office are investigating the alleged battery of a woman inside an Orlando-area assisted living facility. The facility said the resident was unharmed during the incident.
Suspect remains on the loose, deputies say
What we know:
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the alleged battery of a woman inside an apartment at HarborChase of Dr. Phillips, a senior living facility located in a typically quiet Orlando-area neighborhood.
The alleged incident occurred between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday, and officials say an intruder gained access to the apartment under unknown circumstances. Deputies confirmed the woman was the victim of a battery, but the facility tells FOX 35 News that the resident was unharmed.
Authorities are now asking residents in the surrounding Dr. Phillips area to review their surveillance and doorbell camera footage in hopes of identifying the suspect.
What we don't know:
Deputies have not released a description of the suspect or disclosed how the person entered the secured facility. The motive behind the incident is still unclear, and officials have not said whether the victim was targeted or if it was a random encounter.
No arrests have been made as of Tuesday evening.
The backstory:
HarborChase of Dr. Phillips is an independent and assisted living community that serves senior residents, including many considered vulnerable due to age or health conditions.
HarborChase of Dr Phillips is managed and operated by Harbor Retirement Associates (HRA). The facility is known locally for its reputation as a safe, secure environment, neighbors tell FOX 35 News.
The area around the facility is part of a well-established, largely residential area with relatively low crime rates. Longtime residents say the most common issues are minor property crimes like car break-ins.
What they're saying:
Local residents are expressing disbelief and concern over the rare act of violence in what is generally a peaceful community. FOX 35 News is talking to these residents and will have more information during FOX 35 News at 10 p.m.
HarborChase of Dr Phillips released a statement to FOX 35 News in which they said the resident was left unharmed.
"To protect the privacy of the residents, our associates, and to respect the integrity of the ongoing investigation by the Sheriff’s Department, we are currently unable to comment on or provide additional details. We expect our quick and concise actions and transparent reporting to help bring the investigation to a satisfactory resolution," the statement read.
The facility said its mission is to "serve and care for seniors and their families with dignity, respect, and compassion."
"Providing a safe home and working environment for our residents and associates while providing peace of mind for their loved ones remains paramount to HRA and our family of HarborChase communities," the statement continued.
What's next:
Deputies continue to investigate and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, HarborChase of Dr. Phillips, and neighbors of HarborChase of Dr. Phillips.