- April 26, 2024
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A 34-year-old transient man was arrested near Ormond Beach on Tuesday, Nov. 29, after kidnapping a Daytona Beach woman and raping her in different locations throughout Volusia and Flagler County.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said Obtravies Watkins is being charged with kidnapping, sexual battery and attempted second-degree murder after he abducted the 25-year-old woman along Ridgewood Avenue in Daytona Beach around midnight on Monday, Nov. 28. The victim told deputies that Watkins raped her twice in his vehicle in different locations in Volusia County, then took her to Flagler County where he raped her again. Afterward, the victim said he dragged her to the woods and attempted to strangle her by tying a belt to her neck, going as far as to tighten it and put his foot on the back of her head after she regained consciousness.
The victim also said Watkins, who is also a registered sex offender, was armed, though deputies have not been able to locate the gun.
“This was absolutely a brutal attack that lasted for seven hours ... " Staly said. "We are fortunate that she survived this attack.”
Staly said the woman was discovered at around 9:30 a.m. by a passerby who saw her crawling out of the woods naked and bloody along the Flagler and Volusia County line on Old Kings Road. The victim is currently hospitalized in Volusia County for injuries all over her body. Due to her precise information on Watkins' appearance and his vehicle, deputies were able to find him and arrest him a little over 24 hours after the attack.
“This is a bad dirt bag, and he needs to stay in jail for the rest of his life," Staly said.
Staly said Watkins has an extensive criminal history with 21 felony charges, 10 misdemeanors and he has served time in state prison. He was last arrested in February of this year for domestic violence battery charges. Some of his prior offenses are possessing child pornography, driving with a suspended license, possession of marijuana, lewd and lascivious conduct with a child.
Watkins is currently in the Volusia County Branch Jail but will soon be transferred to the Flagler County Jail.
“On behalf of my sheriff and Sheriff Staly, our heart goes out to the victim, and we will do all that is within our power to help her find peace," said Volusia County Chief Deputy John Creamer. "To the suspects who commit violent crime within our counties, you should know that we’ll do all that’s in our power to bring you to justice.”
Staly added to Creamer's sentiment, saying to the "criminals out there" that it doesn't matter whose jurisdiction they are under, since both agencies are working close together.
“That’s our diligence to come after you and we’re not going to stop," Staly said. "If you’re going to prey on our citizens in any community, we’re coming after you.”
