West Melbourne, FL – A violent encounter outside a local movie theater has left a woman traumatized and a man facing multiple felony charges, including kidnapping, burglary with battery, and battery by strangulation.
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According to the West Melbourne Police Department, 34-year-old Sean Douglas Knutsen followed his victim into her car after a movie at AMC Theaters on Norfolk Parkway and launched a terrifying attack that investigators say nearly turned deadly. During the movie, the victim stated that Knutsen tried to stick his hand up her skirt which she stopped and told him not to touch her.
The Attack
After being refused a hug by the victim, police say Knutsen shoved the victim up against his car door. She then got away from him and headed to her vehicle. He followed her. When she opened her do, he shoved her into her own vehicle, got on top of her, and repeatedly slammed her head against the inside passenger door. He then put his hand over her mouth, cutting off her ability to breathe, and attempted to strip away her clothing. During the assault, he chillingly warned her: “Next time I will take it further.” He then got up, went to his vehicle and fled the scene.
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The victim never consented to Knutsen entering her vehicle, police emphasized. The report states he unlawfully forced his way inside, battered her, and confined her against her will while attempting strangulation.
A Pattern of Stalking and Threats
Investigators revealed that Knutsen has stalked the victim for the past year, showing up unannounced at her workplace and home despite having no relationship with her. The victim told officers she fears him and recalled previous threats where Knutsen allegedly said he would kill her if she refused to be with him.
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Police Concerns Over Lethality
The reporting officer, who has specialized training in high-lethality domestic and dating violence, noted that although the case was not domestic in nature, Knutsen clearly perceived the situation as a relationship. Based on his actions, the officer assessed severe risk factors, including strangulation and stalking behavior, both indicators of a heightened danger of homicide.
Because of these risks, the West Melbourne Police Department requested that Knutsen be held without bond or, at minimum, be subject to strict GPS monitoring.
He was located and taken into custody by the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
Charges Filed
At Knutsen’s first appearance before Judge Aaron J. Peacock, the court found probable cause only for burglary with assault or battery and simple battery, dismissing probable cause for kidnapping and battery by strangulation. Knutsen was ordered held without bond on the burglary charge, while his bond for the battery charge was set at $1,000. Conditions of release prohibit any contact with the victim. An arraignment is scheduled for October 9, 2025, at the Moore Justice Center in Viera before Judge Jonathan Skinner.
