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Reported home invasion leaves man brutally beaten, child hiding in bedroom

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is looking for two suspects in connection to a reported home invasion robbery at University Plaza apartments, which is directly north of University of Florida Health.

A police report states the victim was at his child’s mother’s apartment when two people forced their way in around 4 a.m.

He told police they started beating him on his face while one asked, "Where's the money?" and threatened him with a gun.

His 1-year-old daughter and her mother hid in the back bedroom until they left. The victim ran to UF 
Health for help and medical attention. He suffered injuries to his eyes and cuts on his face.

The victim described one suspect as wearing bright green or yellow clothes and a mask covering his face, while the other had a blue shirt and black pants on.

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“I feel horrible,” neighbor Latsha Hightower said. “We’ve been seeing a lot of activity around here. I guess a lot of people are moving in so there has been new people moving in and out of here.”

JSO reported no further update on this case at this time.

Neighbors told Action News Jax they are shocked to hear about this incident in their neighborhood.

Others said they are going to be increasing home security while the suspects are still on the run.

“We’re keeping our eyes open and our phones on us. That’s all we can do right now,” Hightower said.  “We’re staying together, talking about it amongst each other, keeping an eye out for our neighbors. That’s the most important thing.”