Police: Man attacks woman outside Jacksonville library

Police searching for witness after woman sexually battered

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Police are searching for a man accused of attacking a woman Monday morning outside a Jacksonville library on the city's Eastside.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said the woman went to the Brown Eastside Branch Library on Harrison Street about 6:30 a.m. Monday to use the city's Wi-Fi.

As she was outside her vehicle, a man armed with a gun came up and tried to rob her, then forced her into her vehicle and sexually battered her, police said.

He then ran from the area, according to police.

It was the fourth attack on a woman in Jacksonville in the last month.

The attacker was described as a black male, 30-35 years old and approximately 5 feet, 11 inches tall. He was described as having a dark complexion and a goatee, and was wearing dark pants and a dark-colored hoodie, police said.

Police released an image of a possible witness who was at the location during the incident and might be able to provide further information about the attack.


After the latest incident, many parents are on high-alert, saying they're keeping their children close.

"My kids come out here every Wednesday and then there's other people's kids that come out here all the time. So for something like that to happen, it kind of makes you unsure about the safety of our kids," parent Tina Daniels said Wednesday. "It's a real tragedy that people can't even walk where they need to go or do what they need to do without someone bothering them or being harassed."

Daniels told News4Jax that she's praying the woman can have peace following the attack, and that the attacker doesn't come near her children.

"It's sad that somebody violated her like that. I hope they catch him. I hope he gets what he deserves," she said.

Anyone who has any information on the identity of the witness or the suspect is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward of up to $3,000, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

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