Attempted Assault on Realtor: Suspect in Custody

Detectives have apprehended a suspect in an attempted assault on a realtor during a home showing Monday afternoon, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Police are searching for similar incidents after a second realtor says she showed the same man another home Monday afternoon, but didn’t enter the home with him.

Bruce Anthony Kotter, 63, faces charges of kidnapping and attempted sexual battery.

Kotter’s truck, which had been identified in a previous release from investigators, was located Tuesday by Sarasota Police at approximately 1 p.m. in the area of 21st Street and Mango. He was found in a home in that area and immediately arrested.

Early Monday afternoon, a realtor reported she was showing a man a home in the Whitfield Estates area of southern Manatee County. During the showing, the victim, 69, said the suspect tried to force himself on her.

“The victim told the suspect that the owners of the house were nearby and would be there shortly. After hearing this, the suspect fled the house,” according to Sheriff W. Brad Steube.

Tuesday morning, detectives were contacted by a second victim who said she was showing a proprty to a man approximately an hour after the first assault attempt.

She said she was suspicious of the man and stayed outside by her car while he was in the house. He eventually walked out, told her he liked the place and left.

She contacted police when she learned the man’s physical description and the truck he was driving matched the description in the first case.

The investigation on Kotter continues. Anyone with information related to similar incidents is asked to call Detective John Russell at 941-747-3011 Ext. 2212.