ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A troubling incident unfolded in Orange County, where a 71-year-old man has been detained without bond following serious allegations of assaulting a young girl at an apartment complex gym.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office reported that the incident occurred on Sunday evening at the Talia at Maitland Apartments. The suspect, identified as Larry Lucas, allegedly approached and assaulted a girl under the age of 12 while she was alone in the community fitness center.

In the aftermath of the alleged assault, Lucas reportedly stepped outside the gym for a few minutes. Seizing this brief window, the young victim managed to alert a relative via text about the distressing situation.

Responding promptly, the girl’s family rushed to the fitness center. Upon their arrival, they discovered the gym door was locked, with Lucas and the victim still inside. Authorities stated that the family successfully persuaded Lucas to unlock the door and then restrained him until deputies arrived on the scene.

Authorities say the family immediately went to the fitness center. When they arrived, investigators say the gym door was locked with Lucas and the victim still inside. Deputies say family members were able to convince Lucas to unlock the door and then restrained him until law enforcement arrived.

Residents at the apartment complex reported seeing a heavy law enforcement presence following the incident.

“We saw the police over there, but we didn’t know what was going on,” said Ethan Sorey, who lives at the complex. “The whole area by the fitness center and leasing office was blocked off.”

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrested Lucas on a charge of lewd or lascivious molestation.

Detectives say they reviewed surveillance video from inside the fitness center, which they say corroborates the victim’s account.

“I’m happy they held him down instead of letting him get away,” said Isma Henrisme, a resident at the complex. “He deserves to be charged.”

Court records show Lucas has several prior felony drug arrests. He remains in custody at the Orange County Jail without bond.