STUART, Fla. — A 26-year-old man from Venezuela has been charged with attempted murder after an alleged brutal attack on a woman at Tiger Shore Beach. Authorities report that the incident occurred late Thursday night, when the victim was enjoying a late-night stroll while on the phone with a relative.
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Said Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez approached the woman from behind, assaulted her, and forcefully pushed her into the water. During the struggle, the victim lost consciousness, allowing Hernandez Gonzalez to throw her phone into the ocean before he left the scene, believing she was dead.
Once the woman regained consciousness, she managed to walk over a mile to Stuart Beach, where she found a deputy and alerted law enforcement about the attack. Over the next two days, deputies conducted a thorough search of the area, analyzing surveillance footage, speaking with potential witnesses, and patrolling the beach for any sign of the suspect.
A break in the case came on Sunday night when police in Port St. Lucie contacted Martin County deputies regarding a man who claimed to have killed someone on the beach. Hernandez Gonzalez reportedly confessed to his involvement in the attack, stating he was angered by the woman’s presence and decided to assault her.
As investigators delved deeper, they learned that after the attack, Hernandez Gonzalez had returned to his vehicle, consumed alcohol, and smoked marijuana before departing. When questioned about his feelings regarding the assault, he reportedly expressed indifference.
He now faces serious charges of attempted murder and is being held in the Martin County Jail. Immigration authorities have also issued an ICE detainer on him, indicating his immigration status will be reviewed in conjunction with the criminal case.
This shocking incident has raised concerns within the community, prompting discussion about safety measures at local beaches and the broader implications of immigration in violent crimes. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and are urging anyone with information to come forward.