‘We don’t see this:’ Volusia woman fends off attack during evening walk, K-9 tracks teen into woods
Marcus manages the day-to-day editorial workflow across all brands, coordinating coverage assignments and ensuring editorial standards are met. He previously served as city editor at the Pioneer Press and holds a degree in Political Science from Carleton College.
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A 17-year-old was arrested after deputies say he attacked a woman walking along a Volusia County sidewalk and tried to drag her away, an assault the sheriff said could have ended in sexual violence or death.“This is a one-off,” Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood said. “We don’t see this. That’s what makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up when you see something like this.”The attack happened at around 5:30 P.M. Tuesday along Blue Lake Avenue in Deland.Deputies say the woman crossed paths with the teen, identified as Elijah McCarrell, earlier on her walk. She gave him a polite wave, according to an arrest report, but he did not wave back and followed her.Later, deputies say, he struck her from behind, knocked to the ground and pulled down her shirt.A 911 caller told dispatchers a woman flagged heer down after the attack and reported the suspect fled. “This lady just flagged me down, and saying that this man just attacked her, and he just took off on dirt bike and she has a bloody li