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Man accused of raping woman he met at bar

By Times Staff Writer
Published August 24, 2005

TAMPA - Police arrested a 25-year-old Tampa man early Tuesday who they say offered a woman a ride home, then raped her instead.

Marcus A. Davidson of 3403 E 21st Ave. was arrested at 4:20 a.m. on felony charges of sexual battery and kidnapping, jail records show.

Tampa police investigators say Davidson met the victim at Gene's Bar, N 22nd Street and E Mallory Avenue. Davidson offered her a ride home, but he drove past her house and began driving erratically, going through traffic signals so that she couldn't jump out of his vehicle, according to a police report.

At some point, Davidson - 5-foot-4 and 225 pounds - stopped the car. He then grabbed her around the neck and demanded sex, according to police. Investigators say he then raped the woman, whose age and name were withheld to protect her identity.

The woman broke free from Davidson and ran to a nearby house, police said. Someone living in the house called 911, and officers quickly spotted Davidson's car and arrested him.

Investigators say Davidson initially denied having any contact with the woman. He later admitted to having sex with her but insisted it was consensual, according to the police report.

Court records show Davidson served time in the county jail earlier this year after being convicted of marijuana possession and giving a false name to law enforcement, both misdemeanors.

[Last modified August 24, 2005, 01:14:20]