A 22-year-old man was arrested Tuesday morning following an attack on a jogger in Middleburg, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Jayson Thomas faces charges of kidnapping, attempted sexual battery, burglary to an occupied residence, and resisting without violence.
Attack and Arrest
Authorities reported that an adult woman was jogging along Tynes Boulevard in the Two Creeks area around 10:00 a.m. Tuesday when a man she did not recognize pulled her from behind into a wooded area. The assailant threw her to the ground and attempted to forcibly remove her clothing. The victim fought back, freed herself, and ran to a nearby home, where residents called 911.
Clay County deputies and detectives arrived shortly after to search for the suspect. Investigators said Thomas fled through nearby backyards, changed his clothing during the pursuit, and entered an occupied residence in the Pine Ridge neighborhood. The homeowners, who did not know Thomas, confronted him. He fled the house and was taken into custody by deputies shortly after.
During the search, Tynes Elementary School was placed on a hold status as a precautionary measure. Officials emphasized that the incident was unrelated to the school or its students and staff. Deputies arrested Thomas within 30 minutes of the initial 911 call, following a search that spanned several locations.
The victim was taken to a local hospital for evaluation of minor injuries. Body-worn camera footage of the arrest has since been released.
“There’s no easy way to describe the courage it takes to fight back during such a horrifying and frightening situation, but our victim found that courage,” Sheriff Michelle Cook said. “Her strength and bravery is nothing short of remarkable and helped bring our suspect to justice.”
Investigation Ongoing
Detectives believe there may be additional victims or witnesses. Anyone with information regarding Thomas or the incident is asked to contact Detective Parks with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 904-264-6512. Anonymous tips can be submitted using the SaferWatch app or through First Coast Crime Stoppers by dialing TIPS.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
