Man accused of assaulting women at Florence Whataburger arrested
FLORENCE, Ala. (WAFF) - A man accused of assaulting two women at a Florence Whataburger has been arrested.
According to the Florence Police Department, officers responded to the fast-food establishment located on Florence Blvd regarding a sex offense call.
Police said when officers arrived at the scene, they immediately found the suspect, identified as Adonnis O’ Brian Bailey, and took him into custody.
Authorities said two female victims claimed Bailey entered the women’s restroom and then attempted to take off their clothes.
The females reportedly fought back and were able to escape.
Florence Police Sgt. Ryan Kelly said Bailey was waiting outside a stall in the women’s bathroom when a woman walked out of the stall. He said Bailey grabbed her and tried to take her pants off.
“She fought and broke free,” Kelly said. “Went out in the lobby to call the police.”
That first victim said after breaking free and running out to get help, she heard a scream and realized there was another woman inside the bathroom.
“The first victim in spite of her own safety went back to make sure the other lady inside of the restroom didn’t get injured,” Kelly explained.
The first victim then decided she wasn’t going to let anyone else get hurt. She said she faced off with Bailey in the bathroom and then in the lobby until officers arrived. She said that Bailey did not fight back or run after she made it clear she would stay with him until the officers arrived.
Additionally, they didn’t continue to fight but stared each other down and she prevented him from leaving. She said she hopes Bailey will always remember who stopped him from hurting other people.
He was then transferred and booked into the Lauderdale County Detention Center and charged with first-degree Sex Abuse.
The victim and Sgt. Kelly wants to remind everyone to stay vigilant. She said that women need to not be afraid to be loud and fight back.
“Be aware of your surroundings,” Kelly explained. “Anything that looks out of place. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t right. Trust your gut instinct any time there’s anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or suspicious. Feel free to give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to check it out.”
Bailey appeared in court for a bond hearing on Monday. A judge granted him a $75,000 bond.
