Man accused of assault on woman in break-in

By RODNEY THRASH, Times Staff Writer
Published November 6, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT David Coronel has displayed odd behavior, a neighbor says.

CARROLLWOOD - They met at an American Indian ritual south of Fort Lauderdale.

David Coronel introduced himself, said he needed spiritual help. Coronel and the woman began meeting weekly, she said. Two months ago the woman moved from South Florida to the Four Oaks section of Carrollwood. Coronel moved to the same block.

Coronel became a man showing signs of trouble. Neighbor Sherry Mizerski said he ran down Four Oaks Road naked.

Neighbors called the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. Records show deputies came to Coronel's home twice in two months.

About three weeks ago, according to neighbors and a relative, Coronel had himself committed for mental health observation under the Baker Act. When he got out on Oct. 25, he started calling his spiritual counselor's house and sending her threatening instant messages, she said.

He threatened to kill and rape her, she said. He called her sexually degrading names. She called authorities, the Sheriff's Office confirmed, though no reports were written.

Early Saturday, about 6:30 a.m., Coronel broke through the woman's front door. She called 911.

According to the arrest affidavit, Coronel grabbed her by the right arm and forced her onto her bed. He choked her and forcefully removed her nightgown and underwear, the report said.

Deputies arrested Coronel and charged him with felony sexual assault and felony burglary. He was in the Orient Road Jail without bail.

Times researcher John Martin contributed to this report.

[Last modified November 6, 2007, 00:05:44]