Man Wanted for Attempted Murder Spotted in Sarasota

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to keep their eyes open for a man it says is wanted in connection with an attempted murder.

Deputies say Christopher Higginbotham, 43, was spotted on Bayonne Street in Sarasota Monday morning, but fled.

“He appeared clean shaven and was last seen wearing jean shorts, a dark tee shirt and black athletic shoes,” an email from the agency to media stated. Higginbotham stands about 5 feet, 11 inches in height and weighs an estimated 170 pounds.

“Higginbotham has a long criminal history outside of Sarasota County and could be armed, so citizens are urged not to make contact with him,” the agency’s email said.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $2,500 reward for the man’s capture.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 941-915-7878.

Higginbotham is accused of attacking his former girlfriend on Aug. 30, the sheriff’s office said. He tried to smother her with a pillow and would not let her or her daughter leave their home, an email from the agency stated. The woman was able to eventually break free and run to a neighbor or help.

Higginbotham, deputies say, fled the home after the attack. He also faces false imprisonment charges.

Photo courtesy of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office