ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — A 92-year-old woman remained hospitalized Thursday, days after being badly beaten by a man who showed up at her home and asked to use the bathroom, Orange County deputies said.
The woman was attacked last week on North Hiawassee Road, north of West Colonial Drive, deputies said.
She tried to fight her attacker but broke her back in the struggle, according to deputies. She was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where she had to undergo hours of surgery.
Deputies said because she was the only witness, they had to wait until Monday to interview her about the attack and come up with a composite sketch.
The victim, who wasn't identified, is a 40-year resident of Orange County and is respected in the community, deputies said. She doesn't know the alleged attacker.
Deputies said the man rang her doorbell and asked to use the bathroom.
When she refused, he held her at gunpoint and became aggressive, deputies said.
The woman fought back and was pushed to the ground. She was severely injured but is expected to recover.
Detectives hope a composite sketch will lead to an arrest.
After surgery, she described the attacker as a man 20 to 30 years old with a heavy build and 5 feet 8 inches tall. She said he was wearing a gray coat with orange pockets, dark gray pants and a furry skull cap.
It’s not the first time the woman has been a victim of an attack.
In August, Channel 9 spoke to a 92-year-old woman who lived in the area but did not want to be identified.
In that attack, she told deputies a man posing as an OUC employee forced his way in and snatched gold chains from her neck.
“He knows he had a battle, because I’m strong," she said. "I’ve always been strong."
She was able to fight him off.
Neighbors said she is the same 92-year-old woman who was attacked last week. Deputies haven't confirmed that.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-8477.
A $1,000 reward is being offered for tips that lead to an arrest.
Cox Media Group
