For Immediate Release
July 16, 2016
DeFuniak Springs, FLA— A burglar is behind bars thanks to the brave acts of a 17-year-old.
Buddy Lee Curry, 41, is being held on a $105,000 bond after breaking into a home in DeFuniak Springs and sexually battering a teenager. Curry entered the house on Walnut Drive early Friday morning armed with a pocket knife and took several items including an air compressor, chop saw, 2 wallets, and a bottle of prescription pills. There were also additional items such as lap tops and air tools which he was attempting to take from the home.While inside the residence Curry went into the 17-year-old’s bedroom and exposed himself, got on top of the victim, put his hands around the victim’s throat and threatened their life if they attempted to scream. During the encounter Curry touched the victim inappropriately. The teenager was able to get away from Curry and wake up the parents who then confronted Curry inside the residence.A struggle ensued between the victim’s father and Curry who then fled the scene in a light colored SUV. Deputies caught up with the suspect at Highway 90 West and Girl Scout Road after being positively identified by the victim from the back of an ambulance.
“She is a very, very brave girl,” said Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “She acted courageously during an incredibly awful situation.”
On his person Curry was in possession of a labeled prescription bottle belonging to the victim’s father, a screw driver, and yellow handle pliers – all taken from the home.While being booked into the Walton County Jail it was discovered Curry was also in possession of small metal tin containing methamphetamine and Oxycodone pills.Later, Curry was also positively identified as the suspect in an attempted burglary where he tried stealing an ATV from a residence on Highway 90 West.Curry is being charged with sexual battery on a person under the age of 18, burglary with battery, grand theft, battery, introduction of contraband into a jail, possession of a controlled substance, and grand theft auto.
