Child Raped In Full Daylight Near Park (Witnesses Stop Rapist)

The Indy Channel ^ | July 20, 2006 | AP

[Abathar]

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- A man grabbed a Florida child and raped her in full daylight, police say.

The man who St. Petersburg police said raped the 8-year-old girl remains on the loose.

The victim was leaving a park at about 12:55 p.m. with her 7-year-old brother when the man grabbed her from behind, pulled her to the ground and raped her, police said. Their mother had left them alone for a few minutes to return home and turn off the kitchen stove. They were less than half a block from the family's apartment.

A man playing basketball nearby said he heard the screams and ran to the scene. A motorist who witnessed it began honking her horn and called for help. The perpetrator then got up and ran away.

The girl was treated at the hospital and released.

Police believe they recovered the man's shirt, which he apparently stripped off as he ran away, but they don't know his identity. People in the middle-class neighborhood said he may be a transient.

[Abathar]

He should be treated no different than a rabid dog. No, scratch that, a rabid dog acts that way for no cause of it own. This guy either needs to be killed or stuck in a cell and never let out, no other options.

[CheneyChick]

Public execution in broad daylight seems fitting.

[cripplecreek]

I say we tattoo the details of his crime on his forehead and give him to the general population of the nearest prison.

[7thOF7th]

This is what a liberal social policy will yield. WAKE UP AMERICA!

[LongElegantLegs]

Four eye witnesses, but no description of the perp? Hmmm...

[Abathar]

Good idea, better yet let the other inmates do it with scars rather than tattoos...

[Abathar]

I thought it funny also, AP does take race into account when they write these stories I think...

[Mazda3Fan]

Without a description and if he is a transient, it may be difficult in finding him.

[Shaun_MD]

He won't last a day in prison. When the other inmates find out he raped a child they will eat him alive.

[thulldud]

Four eye witnesses, but no description of the perp? Hmmm...

That should tell you what race he ISN'T.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

I used to walk to school by myself or with my friends when I was eight. I can't imagine letting my kids do it, and scum like this is why. In some ways, the world is getting worse.

[B-Chan]

If the neighbors find him before the cops do... ouch.

[tigtog]

Hey if you are healthy enough to play ball (basketball??) you are healthy enough to protect an eight year old child. Shoosh, lets shoot this guy too!!!

[Mazda3Fan]

What?! How do you know what went on? You're advocating that we shoot someone based on one short article in the press?

[cripplecreek]

.357 Magnum Apply directly to forehead

.357 Magnum Apply directly to forehead

.357 Magnum Apply directly to forehead

[Paradox]

Dead man running!

[Abathar]

There should be a clemency act that allows civilians who catch someone like this in the act to dispense "street justice" without any fear of prosecution until the first police officers foot touches the pavement....

[MissEdie]

You left off "and pull trigger" :0)

[Abathar]

He raped an 8 year old girl right there in front of everyone. Advocating shooting the SOB is about the nicest post you will see on this board I bet.

[Lunatic Fringe]

Their mother had left them alone for a few minutes to return home and turn off the kitchen stove.

Not very bright, is she?