Suspect in child rape held on no bond in Jacksonville

The suspect connected to a child rape on the Westside made his first appearance in court Monday.

Bjorn Soyland, 39, had his bond denied. He is charged with kidnapping and sexual battery.

Police said the 13-year-old victim was sitting on the wood line on 105th street when she was approached by Soyland.

Investigators said he grabbed the girl by the shirt and dragged her into the woods. Soyland allegedly partially removed the victim's clothing and committed a sex act.

Action News Jax spoke with a neighbor who heard the victim’s cries for help.

“When I heard it, I thought I detected desperation in it,” Ralph Green said.

Soyland ran off before police arrived.

Watchful neighbors noticed him walking by the scene of the attack the very next day. They received credit from JSO for helping get a rape suspect off our streets.

Beverly Walton, a great grandmother, said it’s nice to know neighbors are looking out for one another.

“It’s wonderful to know that some of my neighbors are actually looking out for things like that and they're not scared to call,” Walton said.

Neighbors said they will sleep better at night knowing Soyland is behind bars.

A judge set Soyland’s next court date for November 14th.

Cox Media Group