LAKE CITY, Fla. -- A man arrested for attempted rape of a 13-year-old girl blamed the devil, according to police.
The victim was walking to her grandmother's house Sunday at approximately 5:30 p.m. when the suspect, Gerome L. Robinson, 18, approached her, according to Lake City Police.
Police said Robinson asked if the victim wanted to hang out. After she replied "no", Robinson pushed her into his backyard on Cherry Lane, held her against her will, took off his clothes and then attempted to take her clothing off before the victim was able to get away.
Robinson followed but was stopped by his mother and taken back home, according to police.
Robinson told officers, "The devil tried to rape her in my body," according to LCPD.
First Coast News spoke with a family member and family friend of the suspect who believe the victim made up the incident.
Robinson was arrested and booked on a $55,000 bond.
First Coast News