A 90-year-old woman in Orlando bravely fended off an attempted sexual assault in her own home at a senior living facility, Florida authorities say. The suspect, later identified as 26-year-old Deriko Hill, was arrested and charged following a disturbing pattern of behavior targeting elderly women.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the attack occurred on April 29 when the woman returned to her apartment after dinner. She turned on Jeopardy! and began preparing for the evening, unaware that someone was already inside. When she entered her bedroom closet, she noticed a shadow and turned to find a man exposing himself behind her.

Deputies say Hill pushed her to the ground, causing a shelf to fall on top of them during the struggle. The woman kicked and punched him as he tried to remove her clothes. She told authorities he eventually stopped, apologized by saying, “I’m sorry, ma’am,” and fled the scene.

The victim crawled to her bathroom and activated an emergency cord. Facility staff responded immediately and called 911. Surveillance footage captured Hill entering the facility, and deputies shared the video on social media to seek public assistance in identifying him.

DNA collected from the victim’s clothing led investigators to match Hill to a similar case being investigated by the Orlando Police Department. In that case, which occurred two weeks earlier, a 76-year-old woman reported waking up to a stranger in her bedroom. The man allegedly tried to remove his pants and pushed her down, but fled when she screamed for help.

In the following weeks, staff at another nearby senior facility reported seeing a young man matching Hill’s description frequently loitering around the property and trying to open locked doors. He told employees he was visiting a family member, but staff became suspicious.

On May 20, deputies were called to investigate a suspicious person at a senior facility. Hill fled through a back door but was apprehended after a brief chase. When questioned by investigators, he reportedly admitted he had been seeking out elderly women “to make love to.” He also confessed to being “forceful” and wrote apology letters to both victims.

Hill now faces several serious charges, including attempted sexual battery, battery on a person 65 or older, and burglary of a dwelling with assault or battery. Authorities credit the courage of the two women—especially the 90-year-old victim—for fighting off their attacker and helping lead to his arrest.

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