PINECREST, Fla. – Pinecrest police officers have put a name to the man who they said physically assaulted a woman while she was out walking Tuesday morning. They were still looking for him Friday.
The agency identified the suspect in a news release on Friday as 24-year-old Michael Angelo Figueroa-Hernandez.
5 p.m. report:
“We don’t know if he’s armed, but just the fact that he did what he did here we do believe he’s dangerous,” Pinecrest Police Chief Jason Cohen said.
According to police, the assault occurred around 7:30 a.m. in the 13000 block of Southwest 69th Court.
Police said the perpetrator was riding a light blue bicycle and carrying a purple bag with a shoulder strap when he approached the victim from behind, grabbed her in a “bear hug” and then touched her inappropriately.
According to authorities, the victim cried out for help and the man released her.
He then fled the scene, heading south on the bicycle, authorities said.
“He grabs her from behind in what was described as a bear hug, and in the process he touches her inappropriately. She immediately screams and fights back,” Pinecrest Police Chief Jason Cohen told Local 10 News on Tuesday. “He releases her and he runs off, grabs his bike and flees the area. So she was unharmed -- physically unharmed -- so lucky for that. She did exactly what anybody in a situation like this should do – fight back.”
According to authorities, the bike was found about 10 minutes later, abandoned in the area of Southwest 138th Street and 77th Avenue.
“He does have a history and actually, he was on probation so we called his probation officer, and now there’s a warrant for violating his probation because we believe he committed this crime,” Cohen added.
Figueroa Hernandez is believed to be homeless, and police are urging anyone who recognizes him to call the Pinecrest Police Department at 305-234-2100 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.
Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward.
