JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. — The Jacksonville Beach Police Department needs your help identifying four men in connection with an attempted sexual battery that happened in Jacksonville Beach early Sunday morning.
The original incident happened near what used to be the Pier Cantina, according to a source.
The victim said in a statement that she left one of the bars in Jacksonville Beach when a man ran up to her, punched her repeatedly, pulled down her pants and said if she was quite it would be quick. She said she started screaming and the man ran away.
Police released new video of a few men walking past the Tavern on First Street. Two of the men are considered suspects in the attempted sexual battery, while the other two are wanted for questioning.
Ciji Sullivan works at a bar nearby.
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“It’s very alarming,” Sullivan said. “We leave late at night with a lot of money on us, and that’s just a personal concern.”
Action News Jax reported earlier this week when police released video of the men approaching three women near the Jacksonville Beach City Hall, before two more men run up to help the women, and the first group of men walk away.
Police say the encounter at the Jacksonville Beach City Hall happened minutes after an attempted sexual battery near the pier.
Kristi Bailey said she visits Jacksonville Beach often for work and found the news concerning.
“I think it’s sad that people can’t come out into public and enjoy this beautiful area that is here and have to worry on any attempts on your life or your wellbeing,” she said.
Those we spoke to are encouraging others to stay alert.
If you have information on who the men may be, you’re encouraged to contact the Jacksonville Beach Police Department at 904-270-1661 or tipline@jaxbchfl.net.
You can remain anonymous by calling First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477), or by submitting a tip online at www.fccrimestoppers.com.
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