A registered sex predator has been arrested in an attack on a 17-year-old as she walked a dog in January.
St. Petersburg Police arrested Michael Paul Bacon, 41, and charged him with false imprisonment.
Officers say the victim was walking a dog in the area of the 2900 block of 47th Avenue North in St. Petersburg when she saw a man, now identified as Bacon, walking towards her.
She became uncomfortable and began walking in the opposite direction, police say.
According to detectives, Bacon began running towards her, grabbed her by the hair, spun her around and knocked her to the ground, at which point he knelt on top of her, preventing her from getting up.
Officers say the dog, a medium sized mixed breed, scared Bacon, and the girl was able to get away.
The victim was able to provide a good description of the suspect to deputies, including the fact the suspect had a hearing aid, and a composite sketch was created.
On Saturday, March 17th, patrol deputies came into contact with Bacon and realized he matched the description and composite sketch.
Deputies say Bacon admitted to the crime. He was booked into the Pinellas County Jail.