Houseguest Raped Blind Woman, Police Allege

A Sarasota man is behind bars today, arrested for raping a blind woman.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has arrested Gilberto Perez, 33, 3972 Murdock Avenue, Sarasota, for sexual battery against a physically helpless victim.

A 22-year-old woman told detectives that she had gone to bed Wednesday night while her roommate and his friends, including Perez, continued drinking and socializing to cope with being fired from a job earlier that day.

She said she was awakened early the next morning as Perez was raping her, according to the probable cause affidavit. The victim, who is blind, went to her roommate’s room and told him what happened. Ther roommate confronted Perez, who fled the home, according to the affidavit. 

The victim had also suffered bruises on her arms and legs and had a swollen left cheek, according to the affidavit.

Detectives issued a law enforcement bulletin this morning in an effort to find Perez and deputies spotted him walking near Bee Ridge and Beneva roads at 1 p.m. Friday.

He was taken into custody for questioning by detectives and then booked into the Sarasota County Jail where he is currently being held without bond.