Attempted Rape on Little Econ Greenway: Suspect Arrested After Confession to “Wanting to Know What It Felt Like to Choke Someone Out”
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Authorities in Orange County have arrested a 23-year-old man accused of attacking and attempting to rape a woman on the popular Little Econ Greenway trail in late July, a crime that left local runners shaken and raised fresh concerns about trail safety. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Jacoby Vontell Tillman was taken into custody on Friday in connection with the July 25 assault, which occurred just before 9 a.m. near Yates Road and Econ Park. Investigators say Tillman attacked the victim from behind while she was jogging alone, choking her until she lost consciousness.
The Attack
The victim told deputies she began her morning run around 8 a.m. When she returned to her car, she noticed a man trailing her. Moments later, she said, he grabbed her from behind, wrapping both arms around her neck and squeezing until she “saw stars.” The woman reportedly blacked out and woke up face down on the trail, with her shorts and underwear removed. She managed to escape and report the attack, triggering a months-long investigation that culminated in Tillman’s arrest.
Chilling Confession
Investigators later interviewed Tillman’s girlfriend, who told deputies she confronted him about the incident after hearing about it on the news. According to the arrest affidavit, Tillman admitted his role but denied rape, saying instead,
“I didn’t rape the lady, I was trying to kill the lady.”
When she asked him why, Tillman allegedly responded,
“Because I wanted to know what it was like to choke someone out.”
His girlfriend told investigators the confession didn’t surprise her, adding that Tillman had previously choked her unconscious during an earlier altercation.
Charges and Bond
Tillman has been charged with attempted sexual battery, battery by strangulation, and false imprisonment. Despite the severity of the allegations, he was released from jail Sunday after posting a $9,500 bond, according to the Orange County Corrections Department. Local residents have expressed outrage at the low bond amount, calling for tighter restrictions on violent offenders with a history of strangulation or attempted murder.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The attack has alarmed runners and walkers who frequent the Little Econ Greenway, a 7.5-mile trail often considered one of the safer outdoor spaces in Orange County. Runner Daniel Castro, who uses the trail regularly, told reporters,
“Anything can happen at any time, so it’s always good to walk with a partner. We don’t wear headphones — we watch each other’s backs.”
Local law enforcement is now urging trail users to stay alert, avoid isolated routes, and report suspicious activity immediately. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along the Greenway while the investigation continues.
A Violent Pattern
Tillman’s alleged confession and his girlfriend’s prior choking report, suggest a disturbing pattern of escalating violence. The case underscores how non-lethal domestic abuse can evolve into broader public threats if unchecked. For many in the community, this arrest is both a relief and a warning: a reminder that Florida’s scenic running trails are only as safe as the people who walk them.
Sources
Orange County Sheriff’s Office – Official Facebook Statement on Jacoby Vontell Tillman Arrest
WESH 2 News – Man Arrested in Attempted Rape on Little Econ Greenway Trail
Orange County Corrections Department – Inmate and Bond Records
