Man Arrested After Attempted Sexual Battery at Knifepoint in Hialeah Apartment Laundry Room

A terrifying attempted sexual battery inside a Hialeah apartment complex laundry room has led to the arrest of a 21-year-old man, according to police.

Miami-Dade jail records confirm that Luis Antonio Rodas-Martinez was taken into custody Sunday evening and faces multiple felony charges, including:

• Attempted sexual battery with a weapon causing serious bodily injury
• Kidnapping with a weapon or aggravated battery

The incident occurred on Dec. 9 and has left the community shaken, raising serious questions about apartment-complex safety, security failures, and the rights of victims harmed due to preventable violence.

According to the arrest affidavit:

• The victim was doing laundry in the complex’s laundry room when Rodas-Martinez allegedly approached her armed with a knife.
• He pinned her against a washing machine, held a knife to her upper torso, and pulled down her pants while attempting to rape her.
• The victim screamed for help, and a neighbor who heard her ran to the laundry room.
• The witness saw the attacker pinning the victim with the knife still in hand.
• The suspect fled the scene immediately after being confronted.

Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage, identified the suspect living nearby, and received confirmation of his identity from a family member. Rodas-Martinez was arrested and booked into jail, where he awaited a Monday court appearance.

While the criminal investigation focuses on the attacker, incidents like these often involve serious questions of negligent security—a leading cause of liability for apartment owners, property managers, and security contractors.

Apartment complexes have a legal duty under Florida law to take reasonable steps to keep residents and guests safe from foreseeable criminal acts. This includes:

• Adequate lighting
• Working surveillance cameras
• Secured entrances and laundry facilities
• Locking mechanisms on common-area doors
• Proper background checks on employees
• Proper warning of known risks in the area
• Regular security patrols when warranted

If the property failed in any of these areas, the victim may have a strong negligent security claim, allowing her to seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Psychological counseling
• Pain and suffering
• Lost income
• Long-term emotional trauma
• Security failures that enabled the attacker to gain access

Florida courts have repeatedly held apartment landlords responsible when inadequate security enables violent crimes such as sexual assault.

Survivors of Sexual Assault Have Rights — Both Criminal and Civil

Even though prosecutors will pursue criminal charges, survivors also have civil rights that allow them to pursue financial recovery and accountability from all responsible parties.

Potential liable parties may include:

• The attacker
• The apartment complex
• Property management companies
• Security companies
• Maintenance contractors responsible for locks or cameras
• Any third party who may have contributed through negligence

Civil claims are especially important when survivors need long-term support for trauma, therapy, relocation, and rebuilding their lives.

Why Laundry Rooms and Isolated Common Areas Are High Risk

Laundry rooms inside apartment complexes are unfortunately common locations for assaults because:

• They are often isolated and enclosed
• Access may not be restricted to residents
• Security cameras may be outdated or nonfunctional
• Lighting may be poor
• Doors are frequently propped open
• Staff presence is limited

Property owners are required to anticipate risks like these and take preventive action.

If You or Someone You Know Has Been the Victim of an Assault in an Apartment Complex

Take these steps as soon as possible:

1. Seek immediate medical attention

Even if there are no visible injuries.

2. Report the incident to police

Criminal documentation is crucial.

3. Document everything

Including emotional impact, injuries, and any unsafe property conditions.

4. Do not speak to apartment management’s insurance company before consulting an attorney

They may attempt to minimize or deny liability.

5. Contact an attorney who handles negligent security and sexual assault civil cases

This ensures the victim’s rights are protected while evidence is preserved.

Flanagan & Bodenheimer: Protecting Survivors of Assault and Negligent Security in Florida

Our law firm has extensive experience representing survivors of rape and attempted sexual assault that occur due to failed security measures at apartment complexes, hotels, parking garages, and other properties.

We intentionally limit our caseload to ensure:

• Direct access to a dedicated attorney
• Immediate investigation, including securing surveillance footage and identifying security failures
• Compassionate, trauma-informed representation
• No fees unless we win

Survivors deserve justice, safety, and the full truth about what allowed the attack to occur.

If you or your loved one was harmed in an apartment complex or any property with inadequate security, we are here to help.

📞 Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm. Serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and all of Florida.