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Witnesses stop sexual assault; Maryland man arrested

Christopher Shaw

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Gainesville police caught a 34-year-old man who is accused of sexual battery.

Christopher Shaw of Maryland is suspected in the sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman near the University of Florida. Police said around 2:30 a.m. Thursday, two witnesses heard screaming and saw Shaw abusing the woman.

Police said Shaw ran off, but was caught a short time later.

The victim told police that she didn’t give the man consent and she was physically helpless because she was intoxicated.

Shaw told police that the victim pulled him next to a dumpster and he made out with her. He denied sexual contact with the victim, police said.

Gainesville police said his statements contradict video that captured the incident and the victim’s testimony.

Shaw is charged with sexual battery.

Detectives think Shaw may have raped other women.

Anyone with any information is asked to call GPD Detective Cpl. Amanda Prince at 352-393-7618. You can also make an anonymous rape report by visiting www.ReportRapeGainesville.org or provide anonymous information by texting keyword GPDFL plus your tip to 274637.

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This is 34 year old Christopher Shaw. Early Thursday morning witnesses saw him raping a young girl behind a dumpster. ...

Posted by Gainesville Police Department on Friday, July 22, 2016