Police: Fernando Clemente takes pic, tries to attack sleeping woman

June 13, 2011

Written by
Althea Paul

TAMPA, Florida - Police have arrested a Tampa man who they say tried to sexually assault a young woman while she slept in her home.

Fernando Clemente made his first appearance in court Monday, where he was held without bond as well as an immigration hold. Police say he is in the country illegally.

According to authorities, the incident happened at around 3:00 Sunday morning at the victim's home in the area of Armenia Avenue and Platt Street.

Police say Clemente took a cell phone picture of the 22-year-old victim while she slept and then went into her home through an unlocked back door. According to reports, the man sat next to the woman. She woke up when Clemente tried to pull down her pants.

The arrest reports states that the woman tried to sit up, but Clemente pushed her back, telling her, "shhh, shhh, it's okay." The man then fled.

Authorities found a document that had Clemente's name on it while they were investigating and were able to track him down and arrest him. The victim then positively identified him.

Some women in the area say the incident is just creepy.

"It's scary, especially single women living on a ground floor apartment. You never know and you get so accustomed to the area. You think you know everyone in the area, then all of a sudden here comes someone off the side of the street and you don't expect this kind of thing," said Julie Johnson.

Police want to remind everyone to always lock and secure doors and windows. They say they're also looking into whether the suspect may be involved in any other similar cases.

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