A Florida woman is recovering after a violent late-night attack on a Martin County beach, authorities say. Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek reported that the woman was walking alone along Tiger Shores Beach around 11 p.m. Thursday when she was ambushed from behind. Her sister, who was on the phone with her at the time, heard a struggle before the call abruptly ended, prompting the victim’s husband to call 911.
Deputies quickly located the woman on the shoreline. Sheriff Budensiek described her as “wet with bruising on the side of her neck and face” and said investigators were working to piece together the events. According to authorities, the suspect struck the victim, grabbed her by the throat, dragged her into the ocean, and held her down as she fought to escape. The attack left the woman injured but alive.
The suspect has been identified as Said Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez. He was arrested Sunday after deputies reported he threatened to kill himself. Authorities said he offered no clear motive for the attack.
Sheriff Budensiek explained that Hernandez Gonzalez admitted he only stopped when he believed the victim had died, and he reportedly expressed no remorse when informed she survived.
Hernandez Gonzalez faces a charge of attempted first-degree murder and is being held without bond at the Martin County Jail. Sheriff Budensiek also noted that Hernandez Gonzalez is in the country illegally and is being detained for immigration authorities as well. The victim’s condition has not been fully detailed, but she is expected to recover while the criminal case proceeds.