BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2025) — A homeless man remains in jail after police say he slapped a young woman on the backside inside a McDonald’s near Florida Atlantic University.
According to a Boca Raton Police affidavit, 36-year-old Mcarthur Fortilus was arrested on October 28, 2025, and charged with felony battery due to a prior conviction.
The incident happened around 5:40 p.m. on October 19 at the McDonald’s at 2140 N. Federal Highway. The victim — a Florida Atlantic University student whose name Boca Post is voluntarily withholding — told officers she was using the ordering kiosk when a man walked past and slapped the left side of her buttocks.
She said the man smiled and walked out. She described him as a homeless Black male wearing dark clothes and carrying a bag.
Police later reviewed surveillance video showing the man entering the restaurant, going into the restroom, then walking by the victim and reaching out to touch her before leaving.
Images pulled from that footage were circulated internally. Officer Cox from BRPD’s Community Engagement Unit recognized the suspect as Fortilus, citing several prior encounters.
Investigators obtained probable cause, and Fortilus was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail just before 10 p.m. on October 28.
Court records show he was found indigent and assigned a public defender. His bond was set at $10,000, and a judge issued an order barring any contact with the victim.
As of Friday, Fortilus remains in custody, with hearings scheduled for November 27 and December 18.
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Does Boca Raton have a homelessness problem, or is this an isolated case? Share your thoughts below.
Yes. I live in east Boca and we do have a homeless issue. Saint Gregory’s Episcopal church feeds them out of compassion but nobody provides security to those in the community who spend significant time outside amongst them enjoying nature, exercising, walking our dogs etc.