By USA Daily Now 
A Florida man, DAVID EARL GIPSON, 40, has been arrested in Washington County after allegedly assaulting and holding a woman captive in a storage container. The victim managed to escape and seek help, leading to his apprehension. Gipson faces multiple charges, including sexual battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and potential homicide in connection with the death of the victim’s mother-in-law.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the victim reported that Gipson stormed into her residence unprovoked, physically attacked her, and threatened her life. She alleged that he bound her, gagged her, and repeatedly assaulted her with a handgun and other blunt objects. Gipson then transported her to his residence using her mother-in-law’s vehicle, where the abuse continued. The ordeal culminated with the victim being placed in a container in the yard, where she nearly suffocated before breaking free.
Sheriff KEVIN CREWS described the victim’s harrowing condition during a press conference, stating that she was bound, duct-taped, and restrained in excruciating fashion. Despite severe injuries, she managed to escape, using a tree to free herself before a passerby helped her contact authorities.
In a tragic turn of events, the victim’s 74-year-old mother-in-law, LETTIE COOPER COLLINS, was found deceased in her home. Authorities believe she was brutally assaulted as well. Gipson, who has a criminal record dating back to 1999, now faces additional charges, including burglary, arson, and potential homicide. Investigators are actively seeking murder charges in connection with Collins’s death.
Sheriff Crews commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the community for apprehending Gipson. He expressed gratitude for the public’s support and patience as the investigation continues.
**Source:** Washington County Sheriff’s Office