Rape suspect held without bond

TAMPA - A 19-year-old Tampa man charged with rape made his first appearance before a judge on Sunday.

Rashad Hales was ordered to be held without bond at the Hillsborough County Jail on a variety of charges stemming from Friday night’s violent assault.

A second bond hearing for the door-to-door salesman is scheduled for Wednesday morning.

According to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office report, Hales was working for a company called SecureWatch.net when he went to the door of the victim just before 6 p.m. Friday.

He asked her if she was interested in purchasing a home security system, but she told Hales she would have to consult her fiancé, who was not home. Deputies say the suspect left but returned a few minutes later, lied to the victim, and forced his way into her residence, where he sexually assaulted her.

Hales allegedly threatened the woman with a knife if she told anyone before fleeing on foot. When the victim’s fiancé returned, he called 911 and the suspect was captured a short time later in the parking lot of a gas station.

Detectives say he admitted to the attack and regretted ‘not killing' the victim.

HCSO is continuing its investigation of Hales and ask that anyone who may have come in contact with him or have any additional information about him to contact them at 813-247-8200.