Jacksonville police searching for suspect in sexual battery

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is searching for a suspect in a reported sexual battery that occurred near the intersection of Ramona Boulevard and Lane Ave.

According to JSO, the incident occurred when the victim was walking in the area around 5 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018.

JSO said in a statement released Monday afternoon that the suspect approached the victim from behind to start a conversation.

The suspect then forced the victim to an isolated area where the sexual battery occurred, JSO said.

JSO believes the suspect was armed with a small black firearm.

The victim described the suspect as a black man last seen wearing a grey hoodie, JSO said.

“It’s bad that it happened, but at least they’re alive to tell the story, and hopefully they will be able to identify the person that it won’t happen to someone else,” said Jacqueline Spence, a neighbor.

Neighbors are encouraging others to never walk alone, especially in this area.

“It’s scary, it’s really scary,” said Heather Bidwell, another neighbor. “Use the buddy system, always pair up and use the buddy system."

A couple of neighbors off camera told Action News Jax they have seen the suspect before.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page, follow @ActionNewsJax on Twitter and watch Action News Jax for the latest.

Cox Media Group