In a shocking incident in Temple Terrace, the local police department arrested Bryan Oyanguren Rosado on charges of child abduction and sexual assault. This arrest unfolded on Wednesday night, just before 10:15 p.m., following a disturbing report of a missing 13-year-old girl.
The ordeal began on Monday around 6 p.m. when the teenager was with a group of other juveniles at the Doral Oaks Apartments. An unidentified man approached them in a grey or silver Nissan Altima, asking if they would buy him food from Burger King and offering money and an additional $20. While the group declined the offer, the 13-year-old girl accepted and went off to make the purchase. When she returned, she was forcibly taken into a vehicle by the suspect.
Details of the Incident
After being missing for several hours, the teenager managed to return home around 9:20 p.m. She reported to her family that she had been taken to an unknown location and sexually assaulted before being dropped off near Doral Oaks. The victim described the suspect as a slender white man with blonde or sandy-colored hair and a reddish beard, who claimed to be 19 years old. Police later released surveillance footage showing a Nissan Altima in the vicinity of the apartment complex.
Following the release of the footage, the Temple Terrace Police Department (TTPD) diligently pursued leads and collected evidence, ultimately leading to the arrest of Oyanguren Rosado near Busch Boulevard and 56th Street. He is now facing one count of kidnapping and three counts of sexual battery. The TTPD is actively working with victim advocacy resources to provide support to the juvenile and her family, as the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.
Context on Missing Children
This incident highlights a broader issue regarding missing children in the United States. In 2024 alone, there were 349,557 reports of missing persons, including juveniles, recorded by the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) of the FBI. Alarmingly, 27 percent of those active cases involved teenagers. Families can report missing children through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) by calling their 24-hour hotline at 800–THE–LOST.
The NCMEC not only provides support for families but also offers resources like a quick-reference guide outlining actions to take when a child goes missing. Furthermore, the center runs numerous programs to combat child exploitation, including the AMBER Alert system, which informs the public about severe child abductions through urgent bulletins. This system is crucial in facilitating the swift recovery of abducted children.
Importance of Community Awareness
As we reflect on this unsettling event in Temple Terrace, it is essential for our community to remain vigilant and aware of the potential dangers surrounding children. Local law enforcement agencies, alongside national organizations, are working tirelessly to combat child exploitation and abduction. The work of the TTPD and the NCMEC underscores the importance of community involvement in protecting our youth.
For more information on how to assist in the fight against child exploitation and to learn about resources available for families, visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at NCMEC.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges our youth face and the importance of community vigilance. Let’s work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our children.