Suspect In Custody 30 Minutes After Sexual Battery Outside Daytona-Area Motel

Date Added: December 15, 2024 6:02 pm

The suspect in an early-morning robbery and sexual battery reported Saturday outside a Daytona Beach-area motel was located and detained within about 30 minutes after deputies spotted him based on the victim's detailed description.

Deputies responded to the Motel 6 at 2992 W. International Speedway Blvd. around 4:30 a.m. after the victim went to the police department to report she was sexually battered by an unknown male suspect.

The victim told VSO detectives she was alone in a vehicle outside the Motel 6 while her friends were in a motel room. She said the suspect approached the vehicle, pulled a handgun and forced her into the back seat, where he raped her. Following the attack, the suspect took the victim's cell phones and cash and took off on foot.

The victim was able to give a full description of the suspect and his clothing, which led to a Sheriff's Office lieutenant spotting the suspect (David Baker, DOB 9/9/1982) just before 5 a.m. at a nearby hotel, the Days Inn at 2904 W. International Speedway Blvd. When shown Baker's photo, the victim confirmed he was the suspect who attacked her.

During a search of Baker's room at the Days Inn, detectives found the victim's stolen cell phones and a pellet gun.

Baker was arrested on charges of armed robbery (no bond), theft, and possession of cocaine. Additional charges are pending the results of DNA testing.