Police: Man attacks UF student outside apartment

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Police are searching for a man who a 21-year-old University of Florida student said grabbed her in the stairwell of an apartment complex just off campus and tried to rape her early Tuesday morning.

Gainesville police said the student left a Midtown bar about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday and walked to her ex-boyfriend's apartment on NW 3rd Place, a few blocks north of University Avenue.

While in the stairwell, the victim was approached by a light-skinned black or Hispanic man, about 21 to 22 years old, who forced her to the ground and threatened to shoot her if she screamed. The man, who is described as 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall with a medium build, reached under the victim's skirt, but was interrupted when a car drove by.

Pablo Torres said the woman was coming to his apartment when she was attacked and he is upset and angry about what happened

"He covered her mouth, told her to shut her mouth, 'Or else I am probably going to kill you,'" Torres said.

Torres said thankfully another friend of his was driving by and scared the attacker away.

"I guess we have him to thank in preventing such a heinous act from being committed here in Midtown," Torres said.

The man, who was wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans, did not show a weapon, police said.

Officers have increased patrols in the area as the investigation continues.

Word of the heightened police presence hasn't calmed the concerns of students who live in the complex.

"It makes me frightened for my own life," Annetta Aronova said. "It makes me not comfortable to walk here at any time, whether it is nighttime, daytime, whatever. It makes me afraid to go into my own apartment or even step out."

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call the Gainesville Police Department detective division at 352-393-7670 or text keyword GPDFL plus their tip to 274637.