A group of men carjacked and pistol-whipped a federal agent while he vacationed with his family at an International Drive-area hotel Thursday.



Now deputies are searching for the suspects.

There sheriff's office said the agent was vacationing with his family from Texas when several men attacked him at the Fairfield Inn and Suites on Universal Boulevard, south of Sand Lake Road.

Deputies said the agent was tied up and thrown into the back of the car. The four men then drove him around town for two hours.

That’s when the 44-year-old agent’s wife started to get worried and called the OnStar security service. Sheriff Jerry Demings said that’s what likely saved her husband.

“The OnStar representative placed a call to the vehicle and heard someone screaming for help," Demings said. "After hearing the OnStar operator, the suspects fled from the vehicle and the victim was able to free himself and exit the vehicle.”

The agent found himself 7 miles from his hotel, at a home deputies said is a drug house on Cypress Street off of South Ivey Lane.

Deputies found the 44-year-old victim with his head bleeding, after being pistol whipped. His wallet and badge had also been stolen.

“Last night is unique," said Major Ron Stucker with the sheriff's office. "None of the robberies that we have had previously this year or in anyone’s memory were in this nature or had this level of violence attached to them.”

The agent, who is not being named, was taken to the hospital to get stitches but was released a short time later, and we’re told he’s doing much better.

The sheriff’s office is working with the FBI to find the men who attacked the agent. They have some leads, but are still asking for the public’s help to solve the case.

The sheriff's office is also increasing patrols on International Drive. Demings said there's been an increase in robberies in the tourism corridor.



If you have any information, call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).

