WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Police are looking for a man who they said could be "armed and extremely dangerous" after he beat a neighbor and took her car, authorities said.
Officers responded to a home Friday and spoke to the bloodied woman who reported running next door for help after Randy Gillis, 46, struck her several times in the face, according to the Winter Haven Police Department.
Gillis was enraged, the woman said, and he reportedly strangled her until she lost consciousness. When she eventually came to, she ran to the neighbor, who called the police.
Authorities said Gillis took the woman's car and drove it to Highlands County, where he has family. The sheriff's office found the car but not Gillis.
Police have issued a felony warrant on aggravated battery and battery by strangulation against Gillis and are asking for the public's help to find him. However, he may be carrying a weapon and is dangerous — Gillis is known to carry firearms and knives, authorities said.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Detective Meredith Moore at 863-837-9754. To be eligible for a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-400-TIPS.