FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit arrested a 20-year-old man on Sunday on charges of sexually assaulting a minor. According to investigators, Samuel Shirk, 20, of Fort Lauderdale, who goes by his middle name Austin, committed sexual assault and lewd and lascivious molestation on a young child while staying with the child and the child’s mother. Detectives believe the incidents, which also include video voyeurism, occurred over a span of several months in 2022.
According to authorities, the victim’s family contacted the Broward Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, July 2, regarding the allegations, and Broward Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit immediately commenced an investigation. Oakland Park District deputies arrested Shirk without incident on Sunday.
After being questioned by detectives at the Broward Sheriff’s Public Safety Building, Shirk asked to use the restroom. After using the restroom and re-entering a holding cell and while handcuffed, Shirk attacked a Broward Sheriff’s deputy. As the deputy screamed for help, a detective came to her aid. Both Broward Sheriff’s employees were able to subdue Shirk and place him in a holding cell. For this incident, Shirk is facing additional charges including battery on a law enforcement officer, attempt to escape and obstructing or depriving an officer of means of protection or communication.
Based on Shirk’s involvement with children, detectives are concerned there may be additional victims in the community. Anyone with information is asked to contact Broward Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit detective Vanessa Encina at 954-321-4689. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or online at browardcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters can also dial **TIPS (8477) from any cellphone in the United States or submit a tip through the SaferWatch App.
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