Police: Man broke into Brickell home, hid in closet before attempting to rape woman

A 46-year-old man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly hiding in a woman’s closet, attempting to rape her during a terrifying hours-long ordeal, and later breaking into another apartment where he was found sleeping on the couch, Miami police confirmed in an arrest report obtained by Local 10 News on Monday.

Authorities said Jorge Armando Ortega, who is listed as homeless in an arrest report, was arrested Sunday morning after a series of incidents that began Saturday evening at an apartment complex on Northwest 13th Street in Brickell.

The first victim, a 62-year-old woman, told detectives she had returned from grocery shopping around 6 p.m. Saturday and was cleaning her apartment when she opened her son’s closet door and discovered Ortega hiding inside.

Police say when the woman screamed and tried to flee, Ortega grabbed her from behind, covered her mouth, and dragged her into her bedroom where he began licking her breasts without consent and attempted to rape her.

During the struggle, the victim managed to arm herself with scissors from her nightstand, but Ortega allegedly became enraged and struck her repeatedly while trying to disarm her, causing cuts to her shoulder, according to investigators.

Police say he then forced her to remain on the couch for several hours, during which time he helped himself to water, smoked cigarettes and demanded food.

The ordeal ended around midnight when authorities said the victim received a phone call from her son.

According to the report, Ortega told the victim, “Don’t even think about it, or I’ll kill you,” warning her not to answer the phone.

According to police, Ortega became nervous upon learning the son was returning home from work. Before fleeing, they said he left a plastic rose on the coffee table, telling the victim, “This is for you.”

The case took another turn Sunday morning when police said two women, ages 24 and 22, discovered Ortega sleeping on their couch in another apartment in the same building.

They said one of the residents had returned home around 8:30 a.m. and assumed her roommate knew the sleeping man.

When the roommate woke up and confirmed she didn’t know him, they alerted police who were already at the scene investigating the earlier assault, the report stated.

Authorities said the 62-year-old victim was treated by Miami Fire Rescue for bruising on both forearms and cuts to her shoulder. She later identified Ortega in a photo lineup, according to the report.

When questioned by detectives, they said Ortega allegedly admitted to entering the building seeking shelter.

Police say none of the victims had any prior connection to Ortega.

Authorities are asking anyone with additional information to contact MPD’s Special Victims Unit at 305-603-6300.

Jail records show Ortega faces one count each of attempted sexual battery causing serious personal injury, kidnapping, burglary with assault or battery, and burglary of an occupied dwelling, but he could face additional charges.

A stay-away order was issued requiring Ortega to have no contact with the three victims — directly, indirectly, by email or on social media. He must also stay away from the apartment complex where the alleged incidents occurred.

As of Monday, he was held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.