‘Brutal rapist’ sought after woman mutilated in Orange County, deputies say

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County deputies are asking for help finding a man they described as a “brutal rapist” with “unmistakable” tattoos.

Deputies said Bruce Whitehead, 54, raped, mutilated and tried to kill a woman off Pine Hills Road near North Lane on Dec. 10.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

Investigators said the woman got into a car with Whitehead early Saturday morning on Orange Blossom Trail. They said he then drove around before opening the door to the car, telling her to get out while holding a knife to her throat. The woman told deputies he then forced her to go with him, raped her, somehow mutilated her and tried to kill her.

Deputies said the woman was able to fight Whitehead off and ran for help at a nearby intersection.

Read: ‘I don’t think she’s breathing’: Video shows Tavares officer overdose after exposure to fentanyl

“In my time here at the sheriff’s office, this is probably one of the more egregious offenses,” said Cpl. Evan Avila.

Deputies said Whitehead spent 30 years in prison for committing rape and attempted murder in the 1980s. He is a registered sexual predator.

“Personally, I would qualify him as a monster,” Avila said. “That’s my personal take on that. The sheriff’s office, we do believe him to be a danger to the community.”

Read: Passerby discovers human remains near Osceola County high school

Whitehead has the word “sacrifice” tattooed across his forehead as well as several other distinguishable facial tattoos. But deputies said he may be wearing a hat that covers a portion of the tattoos.

If you spot him, you are asked to call 911 immediately.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2022 Cox Media Group