Police rescue woman from illegal migrant sexual assault attempt

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – A quick-thinking woman managed to alert authorities to her dire situation with an ingenious call to 911, disguised as a pizza order. The incident unfolded in the early morning hours of October 19, when the victim, held against her will in a field behind a nursery, cleverly communicated her need for help without alerting her assailant.

Deputies from Volusia County swiftly responded to the call, utilizing cell tower technology to pinpoint the woman’s location. They arrived just in time to find the suspect, identified as Luis Mono Hernandez, on top of the victim. Body camera footage captured the tense moments as deputies intervened, ordering Hernandez to move away from the woman.

The victim, who had known Hernandez, recounted that their outing was intended to be a casual drink. However, after Hernandez consumed cocaine, his demeanor changed drastically, becoming violent and refusing to let her leave. In a desperate bid for help, she dialed 911, pretending to order a pizza while subtly providing enough information for dispatchers to understand the gravity of her situation.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood of Volusia County commended the victim’s resourcefulness and the effective response of the dispatch team. “Her ability to maintain composure and convey her distress allowed our team to act swiftly,” Chitwood stated. He also praised the dispatchers for their quick thinking in using technology to locate the victim.

Hernandez, 27, was taken into custody and now faces multiple felony charges, including attempted sexual battery, battery by strangulation, and false imprisonment. Authorities revealed that Hernandez had recently filed for asylum in the U.S., adding another layer of complexity to the case.

The incident highlights the critical role of emergency services and the importance of innovative thinking in life-threatening situations. Sheriff Chitwood emphasized the significance of the coordinated effort that led to the successful rescue and arrest. “The teamwork between the victim, our dispatchers, and the responding deputies was exemplary,” he noted.

As the investigation continues, U.S. Border Patrol has issued a detainer on Hernandez, underscoring the legal ramifications he now faces. The case serves as a reminder of the power of ingenuity and the vital role of law enforcement in protecting vulnerable individuals.