Florence: American student escapes assault using 'signal for help

signal for help sexual assault Florence American student arrest

An 18-year-old American student was arrested in Florence, Italy, following an alleged assault and kidnapping at a local deli near Borgo Pinti. The incident occurred around 2:00 AM after the student entered the establishment to use the restroom.

According to investigators, a 31-year-old shopkeeper allegedly locked the entrance door and proceeded to sexually assault the victim. The student managed to break free and reached the shop's storefront, where she used the international “signal for help” gesture—opening the hand, folding the fingers into the palm, and closing the thumb—to alert passersby.

A witness noticed the gesture and contacted emergency services, leading to the arrest of the suspect by Carabinieri. The man faces charges of unlawful confinement and sexual violence.

Entities

Florence

Sources

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