JSO: Child sexually battered in wooded area near Arlington apartment complex

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is searching for a man suspected of sexually battering a young girl in a wooded area near the Eagle Pointe Apartments at 3135 University Boulevard North, which is across the street from Jacksonville University.

JSO Chief Tom Hackney said the girl was out by herself around 6:40 p.m. Monday when a man took her into the woods and battered her. Hackney said the girl was very badly beaten during the assault.

The 911 call came from a witness who saw the child come from a wooded area.

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Her parents were at a nearby residence, Hackney said.

Sex offenders and predators in the area are being contacted by police, Hackney said.

Police are with the girl at the hospital, but the only description of the suspect that she was able to give is that he was a man.

Hackney said it is important for parents to keep an eye on their children.

Anyone with any information about the suspect is asked to contact JSO at 904-630-0500.

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