Rondel Joseph McDonald would not be stopped from his apparent goal of removing an innocent child off the streets, according to authorities. A 15-year-old girl narrowly avoided his grasp last week, and he was tried again with a 17-year-old, who escaped.
Officials now believe he went on to kidnap and sexually attack another 15-year-old on Tuesday.
After six days on the run following his attempted kidnappings, Broward officials apprehended him. Until Wednesday, the community had only two artist sketches and a video of one of the near-kidnappings; his name was unknown.
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department and the Broward Sheriff’s Office announced that McDonald was responsible for the offenses at Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale and that he had been handcuffed and arrested on Tuesday.
Authorities noted the victims’ bravery in coming forward, and teamwork between the two law enforcement organizations led to his arrest.
McDonald’s relentless pursuit of these teenage females began Thursday morning. According to the sheriff’s office, McDonald, driving a grey sedan, pulled up behind a 15-year-old girl on her way to school in Pompano Beach. He commanded her to get into his car, but she refused and walked away.
He continued to drive next to her, this time holding a gun and demanding that she enter. The young girl ran away to a secure location and dialed 911.
A little less than two hours later, McDonald was 11 miles distant, trailing a 17-year-old also heading to school in Fort Lauderdale. According to authorities, he first yelled out to her before attempting to pull her into the car at gunpoint. She continuously said no before he sped away.
Over the weekend, authorities released artist sketches and surveillance footage to apprehend him. He was not yet in police custody when he encountered his next victim.
Just after midnight on Tuesday, a 15-year-old girl was strolling in the 1400 block of Northwest Seveth Street in Fort Lauderdale. While on the phone with a friend, McDonald approached her and initiated a discussion, according to authorities.
When the youngster ignored him, McDonald pulled out a revolver and insisted she get in the car; the young girl obliged, authorities said. He drove a short way before stopping and commanding her to have sex, but she objected.
McDonald placed himself on the youngster and sexually assaulted her before letting her go and fleeing the scene, according to authorities. Detectives were able to apprehend McDonald later that day after interviewing the assaulted adolescent, who recognized him in the photo lineup.
According to authorities, McDonald confessed to the attempted kidnappings after being arrested on Tuesday.
McDonald is charged with two counts of sexual assault with a weapon on a minor, two counts of displaying a firearm during a felony, and one count each of kidnapping and causing bodily harm to a victim, lewd and lascivious conduct, false imprisonment of a child to commit sexual battery, lewd and lascivious molestation of a minor, allowing a child to engage in sex, kidnapping, and solicitation.
As of Wednesday, he was still in the Broward County Main Jail, according to records.
Police are still asking anyone with information about McDonald’s alleged activities to contact Detective Sergeant Hector Martinez at 954-828-5510. Information can be provided anonymously by calling Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.
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