DNA Used to ID Bus Stop Assault Suspect

A suspect who attacked and sexually assaulted a teenage girl headed to her school bus stop was identified through DNA and arrested Wednesday, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

Dustin M. Kennedy, 28, is suspected of attacking a 17-year-old girl who was on the way to her bus stop near Whitney Road and Whitney Drive early Dec. 18 in unincorporated Clearwater.

He choked her and dragged her to a nearby ditch, where he continued to choke her until she was unconscious. Then he sexually battered her, according to investigators. Kennedy then stole the victim's two cellphones.

However, he left evidence, according to investigators.

Analysts at the Pinellas County Forensic Lab informed detectives they had a DNA match with Kennedy, according to investigators.

Kennedy has previous arrests for burglary and grand theft in Hillsborough County, according to detectives.

Detectives learned Kennedy was living at the Goodwill/Largo residential re-entry facilty under Department of Correction supervision. They set up a perimeter at the facility, 16432 U.S. 19 North, and made contact with Kennedy. He was taken into custody without incident and admitted to the crime, according to investigators.

Kennedy was arrested and charged with sexual battery, attempted felony murder, strong arm robbery and kidnapping. He is in jail awaiting trial.