Bradenton man arrested for attempted sex assault

A local man was arrested for an attempted sex assault and kidnapping of a realtor.  The attack caused plenty of fright and had real estate agents on edge until the suspect was captured…

63-year-old Bruce Kotter was arrested and charged with kidnapping and attempted sexual battery of a realtor that took place Monday afternoon.

Post lunch Monday, deputies responded to an attempted sexual battery of the 69-year-old realtor near Bradenton in Manatee County.

During the showing, deputies claim that Bruce went into a bathroom of the house and flushed the toilet.  He then called out to the realtor and told her that the toilet was leaking.

When the realtor went to check on the bathroom, the suspect tried to force himself on her.  He fled the scene when she told him that the homeowner was on his way and would be there any minute.

Detectives put out an A.P.B.  describing the suspect as a white male, alias of Jim. He was described as middle aged, approximately 6’0”, chunky, bald or balding hair, last seen wearing camo shorts, a grey polo shirt with high socks and white sneakers.

The shook up’ed victim said the suspect reeked of cigarette smoke. He was driving a newer model full size extended cab pick-up truck, either black or navy blue in color.  The truck proved to be his undoing.

Sarasota police officers located his Dark Blue Ford 150 in nearby Sarasota.   It matched the description of the suspect vehicle and Bruce Kotter was found inside a home at the address and was immediately arrested.

Based on more information that came in, the detectives believed the suspect had intentions of doing the same to another realtor about an hour after the first incident.

Connecting the cases, Sheriff Deputies were contacted by another female realtor later that same morning saying she showed a property to a man at approximately 2:35 p.m. Monday who fits the same physical description of the suspect. He was also driving a dark blue or black pick-up truck, possibly a Ford F-150.

The potential victim said she had a weird feeling about him because he seemed creepy and originally told her he was bringing his wife.  He showed up alone Monday afternoon and made statements that made the realtor feel uncomfortable.

At the time of this writing, Mr. Kotter was awaiting to see if charges would be filed.  A look at public records in Manatee county shows that he had a prior felony battery charge that was dismissed and did probation for possession of a controlled substance.

He may have had priors in Sarasota, where he currently resides.

Have you or a loved one been arrested for assault or a possession of a controlled substance?  Then call the Pinellas criminal defense attorneys at Blake & Dorsten, P.A. today!  These former prosecutors are experienced trial lawyers.

Blake & Dorsten, P.A. handles all criminal and auto accident cases along the Gulf Coast including Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Pasco, Citrus and Polk counties.

To speak directly to your Pinellas violent crimes defense lawyer, click on the contact button or call them at 727.286.6141.  Blake & Dorsten, P.A…when your case matters!

 

 

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