DNA match leads to suspects arrest

After DNA testing revealed a match between evidence collected during the investigation of a sexual battery and a local man suspected of committing the crime, Historic City News learned that St. Augustine police have made an arrest in the case.

Police allege that Alton James Van Ostrand, who resides at 4581 2nd Avenue in St. Johns County, committed sexual battery upon a person 18 years of age, without that person’s consent. The incident was reported to have occurred at a location within the city limits of St. Augustine.

Because police say Van Ostrand did not use physical force and violence likely to cause serious personal injury, he has committed a felony of the second degree.

When the crime occurred on December 7, 2010, DNA evidence was collected by police detectives and was sent for analysis to the lab of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in Jacksonville. A witness at the scene was able to provide a tag number to police which led them, that night, to Van Ostrand.

Once the DNA comparison revealed a match, police were able to obtain a warrant for Van Ostrand’s arrest. Van Ostrand was taken into custody at his home, without incident, by police detectives Charles Simpson and Cicilia Aiple — assisted by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

This morning, police asked the defendant about the incident — Van Ostrand invoked his right to remain silent.

Van Ostrand remains in custody at the St. Johns County Detention Facility in lieu of a $1,000,000 appearance bond.