JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A woman was kidnapped and sexually battered on the campus of Jacksonville University.
A woman near the Arlington Expressway and Cesery Boulevard was approached by a man with a gun. The man forced her inside a dark colored vehicle and drove her to the campus of Jacksonville University.
The suspect took the victim to a wooded area near MSRI where he sexually battered her while holding her at gunpoint. He then forced her out of the vehicle and left.
The suspect is described as a man between 5'7" and 5'9" in height between 25 and 30 years old. He has a short natural hair style, fair to light complexion with tattoos on his arm. He was last seen wearing dark colored shorts and a light blue shirt with a white undershirt.
Jacksonville University has issued a Crime/Safety Alert around campus. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is investigating. If you know anything you are asked to call JSO at 904-630-0500 or campus security at 904-256-7585. You an also call Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS to remain anonymous and possible receive a reward.
Statement from JU Campus Security
Statement from Gordon A. Bass Jr., Director of Campus Security for Jacksonville University, regarding a sexual assault that occurred on campus Aug. 7:
"This unfortunate event saddens all of us on the JU campus, and our hearts go out to the victim and her family.
"Jacksonville University maintains a safe campus community for its students, faculty, staff and visitors, though no institution can be fully immune from random acts of crime.
"This event was an anomaly on our campus and did not involve a JU student; however, our security officials, working with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, put out a timely alert to students, faculty and staff about the incident, through the 'JU Alert' system of text and electronic mail messages. This was done in compliance with the federal Jeanne Clery Act, in which we alert our campus community of critical information in order to provide for their safety.
"Our campus is patrolled 24/7 by our security force, with supplementary patrols by off-duty JSO personnel. In concert with our JSO Zone officer, patrols have been stepped up in the aftermath of this incident.
"The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is actively investigating the incident with our full cooperation and assistance. We will refrain from discussing any details of the incident so as not to impede any investigative efforts. All inquiries regarding the investigation should be made to the Sheriff's Office.
Please contact the Sheriff's Office at 630-0500 or Campus Security at 256-7585 if you have any information regarding this incident. You can anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477) and possibly receive a reward."
