WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly struck a victim multiple times before strangling her until she lost consciousness.
The Winter Haven Police Department said officers responded to a home on May 31 after the victim ran to a neighbor's house crying for help and covered in blood.
The victim allegedly told police that Randy Leon Gillis, 46, was "enraged" when he struck her multiple times in the face. Gillis then strangled her until she passed out, according to police.
When the victim came to, she said she realized she was covered in blood and ran to her neighbor, who called the police.
Police said the victim is seriously injured and currently being treated at a local hospital. Gillis also took her vehicle and drove it to Highlands County, where he has family.
The Highlands County Sheriff's Office said they found the vehicle abandoned, but Gillis has still not been located.
Police said Gillis is considered armed and extremely dangerous and is known to carry guns and knives. They added that he may have shaved his beard and that he has a history of wearing disguises, including wigs.
Anyone who knows about the suspect's whereabouts should call Detective Meredith Moore at 863-837-9754. To be eligible for a cash reward and remain anonymous, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS (8477).
ABC Action News Mugshot Policy
When a mugshot is used
If the person is still on the loose and a potential threat to the community; if there is a good chance that showing the suspect would help identify additional victims or otherwise protect the public from a serious threat or if the crime or the suspect is of such a significant note that seeing them in a mugshot is in the greater public interest.
Using previous mugshots
Only if the story is specifically talking about that previous crime
We do not show mugshots of victims
This policy started in early 2021
"Get down here and help us"
As recovery efforts on Treasure Island continue, residents question FEMA's response and want more help bringing supplies in and out.
