Good Samaritans intervene when man attempts to sexually assault woman at Gulfport Beach
GULF PORT, Fla. - A man was arrested in Gulfport after police said he attempted to sexually batter a woman early Monday morning on the beach when two Good Samaritans intervened.
Officers say they responded to Gulfport Beach shortly before 3:30 a.m. after several people called 911 reporting a woman was screaming for help.
Chris Kersey (left) and Paul Alterio (right)
Paul Alterio and Chris Kersey sprinted across the volleyball courts at the beach to where police say Christopher Williams, 24, was attempting to rape a 47-year-old woman.
"I could see it," Alterio said. "I actually told him to get off her. He heard my voice, and that's when he ran."
Kersey says Williams had the victim in a chokehold. Police say he was found a few blocks away by a K-9 officer.
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"He had her in such a tight hold that cut her oxygen off to make her delirious," Kersey said. "And that's the state of mind she was in when I got to her."
According to the Gulfport Police Department, the victim said she was sitting at a pavilion on the beach shortly before 3:30 a.m. while her friend was fishing at the dock by the Gulfport Casino Ballroom when Williams approached and tried to strike up a conversation.
The victim told police she did not know Williams and he made her feel uncomfortable.
Christopher Williams mugshot courtesy of the Gulfport Police Department.
When she got up to walk away, the victim said Williams followed her, grabbed her arm, and told her he was going to have sex with her.
According to GPD, Williams then pushed her to the ground near the beach volleyball courts and covered her mouth with his hand.
Police said K-9 Ghost and his handler, Officer Gerald Grimes were the ones who found Williams just a few blocks away.
"It definitely makes a difference when they know there's a dog there," Gulfport Sgt. Jesse Wellington said. "They typically don't want to run because they know they're not gonna outrun him."
Wellington said there's no telling what could have happened had Chris and Paul not intervened.
"I thought [it] was outstanding," he said. "You know, in this day and age to have people who are willing to jump in and help somebody in need, put themselves at risk and unknown risk is just outstanding."
Police say Williams told him that he had just left the Sazerac Lounge (formerly known as Zippers) at 4918 Gulfport Blvd. and that he went to the beach to clear his head.
The victim was evaluated by paramedics for minor injuries and a detective is working with her to make sure that she receives appropriate treatment and additional victim services.
Anyone with information about this case or similar incidents involving Williams is asked to contact Detective Hanh Pham at 727-893-1654.
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