Patrol officers with the Gulfport Police Department arrested 25-year-old Christopher Williams of St. Petersburg and charged him with attempted sexual battery following an incident this morning on Gulfport Beach.
On Monday, March 4, 2024, at approximately 3:25 AM, officers responded to multiple calls reporting a woman screaming for help. One witness observed Williams on top of the victim, a 47-year-old woman, with his pants pulled down. Williams fled when confronted and was apprehended a few blocks away by a K9 officer.
The victim said she was sitting at a pavilion on the beach while her friend was fishing at the dock by the Gulfport Casino Ballroom. She said Williams approached her and started a conversation, but she did not know him, and he made her uncomfortable. She got up to walk away, but he followed her, grabbed her arm, and told her he was going to have sex with her. He stated that he was going to F–k her, and she was going to suck his big black —-. His pants were already down when he pushed her to the ground near the beach volleyball courts and covered her mouth with his hand. The victim was able to scream for help as he brushed and trusted his penis against the victim. When her friend and other man intervened, Williams ran away.
Upon detainment, Williams claimed to have left the Sazerac Lounge (formerly Zippers) at 4918 Gulfport Blvd. and went to the beach to clear his head.
Paramedics assessed the victim for minor injuries, and a detective is coordinating her treatment and additional victim services. For information or similar incidents involving Williams, contact Detective Hanh Pham at 727-893-1654.
Christopher Williams was charged with attempted sexual battery.