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A man residing illegally in the United States has been detained after authorities reported that he ambushed a woman on a well-known beach in Florida, trying to drown her in a late-night assault before abandoning her.
Authorities from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office have identified the suspect as 26-year-old Venezuelan national, Said Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez, who was apprehended on Sunday. He is accused of launching the “unprovoked” attack at Tiger Shores Beach located in Stuart.
“This case is extremely concerning,” remarked Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek during a conversation with WEPC. “Crimes characterized by random violence such as this present significant challenges for law enforcement — this incident is a prime example.”
According to police reports, the victim was strolling along the beach, engaged in a phone call at approximately 11 p.m., when Hernandez Gonzalez allegedly attacked her from behind, physically assaulted her, pushed her into the water, and attempted to drown her.
Said Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez, identified as a 26-year-old Venezuelan national, was taken into custody on Sunday in connection with the “unprovoked” assault at Tiger Shores Beach in Stuart, as stated by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. (Department of Homeland Security)
“About five minutes after passing him, she was brutally attacked,” Budensiek reportedly said. “She was grabbed around the throat, dragged into the ocean, and held down as she struggled to break free.”
The victim eventually lost consciousness in the struggle, causing Hernandez Gonzalez to believe she was dead and throw her cell phone into the ocean, according to authorities.
“The next thing she recalled was waking up half in and half out of the water,” Budensiek told the outlet.
Said Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez remains in custody in the Martin County Jail, where he is being held without bond on charges of attempted first-degree premeditated murder. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office)
When she gained consciousness, the victim walked over a mile to nearby Stuart beach, where she was able to locate a sheriff’s deputy.
Following a days-long search, Hernandez Gonzalez was taken into custody after an individual reported a suicidal male claiming to have killed someone on a local beach.
Upon being interviewed by police, he reportedly showed no remorse when told the victim survived the alleged attack.
Said Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez entered the United States illegally in 2023, and was paroled and granted Temporary Protected Status by the Biden administration, according to the Department of Homeland Security. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office)
“When asked if he felt any remorse, his response was, ‘No, I don’t feel nothing,’” Budensiek reportedly said.
Hernandez Gonzalez remains in custody in the Martin County Jail, where he is being held without bond on charges of attempted first-degree premeditated murder.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Hernandez-Gonzalez entered the United States illegally in 2023, and was paroled and granted Temporary Protected Status by the Biden administration.
DHS has placed an immigration detainer against Hernandez-Gonzalez to ensure he remains in custody.
“Said Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez — a product of the Biden administration’s open-border policies — brutally attacked a woman on the beach and attempted to drown and kill her,” Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.
“She bravely fought back and survived this wicked attack. ICE has lodged an immigration detainer with the Martin County Sheriff’s office, and because of Florida’s cooperation with ICE, this sicko will never walk American streets again. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.”
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.