February 20, 2004
Brandon Haught
Public Information Office

SHERIFF’S OFFICE SEARCHING FOR SUSPECT IN ASSAULT 

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating a man accused of assaulting with a handgun a 46-year-old woman early Thursday morning. The Sheriff’s Office obtained warrants for the prime suspect, Armando Penaloza, and is hoping a reward of up to $1,000 will generate tips that will help investigators capture the man. The victim was treated at Florida Hospital DeLand for minor injuries following the incident. 

Penaloza is facing felony charges of false imprisonment and aggravated assault with a weapon. 

At approximately 3 a.m. Thursday, the victim was at a lounge in DeLeon Springs when she was asked to drive Penaloza home because he was too drunk to drive. She didn’t know him, but agreed to drive him after other people at the bar said it would be all right. Once at Penaloza’s home, 5083 Central Ave., he is accused of hitting the victim and dragging her out of the truck. The victim told deputies that she was then dragged to the back of the house while being struck in the head several more times. Some of the victim’s clothes were ripped off during the struggle. According to the victim, her 23-year-old attacker went into the house and came back out with a handgun, threatened to sexually assault and kill her and then fired one shot that missed the woman. The victim managed to get away and run to a neighbor’s home to call 911. 

Several patrol deputies, a Sheriff’s Office helicopter and a K-9 unit from the DeLand Police Department responded to search for the suspect but were unable to find him. Investigators later presented the victim with a photo lineup containing Penaloza’s picture and she identified him as her assailant. Enough evidence was presented to Circuit Court Judge James Foxman to issue the warrants late Thursday. 

Penaloza is a Hispanic man approximately 6’ tall, weighs 180 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information about Penaloza’s whereabouts is asked to contact investigator Patrick Thoman at (386) 943-7866 or Crime Stoppers of Volusia & Flagler Counties, toll-free, at 1-888-277-TIPS. Callers to Crime Stoppers will remain anonymous and can qualify for a reward of up to $1,000.