Tampa police seek man who attacked woman as she walked to work

TAMPA — A woman in her 60s was violently attacked as she walked to work early Thursday. Now Tampa police are asking for help identifying a suspect and there’s a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.

Police released a video that shows a dark Honda Accord driving slowly in the 5100 block of Nebraska Avenue. Detectives say the car started following the woman before the driver propositioned her.

The man is described as a Black male, possibly in his 30s who is about 6-foot, 200 pounds. He was wearing a black polo shirt, tan shorts and boots. The Accord may be model years 2008-12.

The woman told the man to leave her alone and tried to run to a nearby business, police said. She tripped, and the man caught up to her and started to kick and punch her in the head and upper body, the video shows. Then he drove away.

The woman was taken to a hospital where she remained Friday with serious injuries. She may have suffered a cardiac injury in the attack.

Detectives asked anyone with information about this suspect is asked to contact to call Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 800-873–8477, send anonymous tips, video or photos to crimestopperstb.com or send a mobile tip using the P3 Tips app. The organization is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of a suspect.

Tipsters can remain anonymous. Tips can also be sent by texting the keyword SAFETAMPA to 847411 followed by the information. Anyone who wishes to share information can also download the SAFETAMPA app and submit a tip online by clicking the SAFETAMPA banner at tampa.gov/police.