Miami-Dade man arrested as the suspect in a kidnapping and rape that ended at Target

David J. Neal

A Miami-Dade man has been arrested in Charlotte County as the suspect in an alleged kidnapping and rape that victimized a Cleveland Clinic employee from Weston to Sunrise.

Broward Sheriff’s Office said media coverage of law enforcement’s request for help led to a tip and the arrest of Hialeah Gardens resident Joel Cossio, 31. His Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office jail entry says he’s been charged with grand theft auto in that county.

Joel Cossio
Joel Cossio

BSO asked for the public’s assistance Saturday evening after a woman who works at Cleveland Clinic said when she got to work Saturday morning, a man made her get back into her car. He proceeded to rape her, she said, and left her at the Target connected to Sawgrass Mills Mall, 12801 W. Sunrise Blvd. That’s where BSO deputies found her around 8:15 a.m.

Her alleged rapist was last seen heading across Alligator Alley in her Ford Explorer.

The Ford Explorer, Florida license plate No. Y03UKP, that BSO says the suspect in Saturday’s alleged kidnapping and rape drove away in after leaving the victim at the Sawgrass Mills Target.
The Ford Explorer, Florida license plate No. Y03UKP, that BSO says the suspect in Saturday’s alleged kidnapping and rape drove away in after leaving the victim at the Sawgrass Mills Target.

Cops release a photo of the car they say is involved in a Dania Beach woman’s murder

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