Three men sought in abduction, robbery, rapes

APOLLO BEACH -- Sheriff's deputies released photos today of one of three men believed to have robbed, abducted and raped two women in Apollo Beach early Saturday.

The women, 24 and 31, were closing a restaurant where they both worked. According to a Sheriff's Office account, the men confronted one of the women as she left, forcing her back into the restaurant at gunpoint.

The men robbed the business and forced the women into a vehicle and drove to Dickman Drive along the Alafia River near the TECO plant.

The three men sexually assaulted both women, the Sheriff's Office said.

They attempted to withdraw money from one of the victim's accounts at a Bank of America and then made a purchase at a Chevron Station. They left the women along Interstate I-75 where they called for help at an emergency call box. They are now home.

Authorities released these descriptions: All three were Hispanic males in their 20s, and all were armed with handguns. The first, pictured above and at left, is 5 feet 7 to 5 feet 8, 160 to 180 pounds, medium build, with black hair, a light mustache and a stubble beard. He wore a blue plaid shirt, blue baseball cap and work gloves. Less detailed descriptions were offered of the other two: The second had a thin build, wore dark clothing and a yellow hat. The third, also with a thin build, wore lighter-colored clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 247-8200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477.

-- Elisabeth Dyer, Times staff writer