A driver on Jacksonville's Westside forced a teenage girl into his car and sexually abused her, and he may have approached another girl walking down the street, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says.
Investigators said the two incidents appear to be connected. Both victims described a red mid-sized vehicle and a tall, lean man with tattoos and black, wavy, slicked-back hair.
In the first case, an 11-year-old girl was walking near Chaffee and Old Plank roads. A red vehicle drove up from behind and stopped next to her. The driver struck up a conversation in an attempt to lure the girl into his vehicle, police said.
The vehicle was described as a newer model, red four-door crossover or SUV type vehicle with no window tint on the front windows. It may have been dented on the front corner of the driver’s side. It is possible the vehicle is a Mazda CX-5.
In the second case, a 16-year-old girl was walking near Jones Road and Garden Street when a red mid-sized vehicle drove past her, turned around and approached her. The driver began talking to the victim and she immediately turned to leave. As she did, she heard footsteps coming from behind her as the suspect grabbed her and forced her into the vehicle. The driver took her to a nearby park and sexually battered her, police said.
The vehicle in that case was described as a sedan-type vehicle, possibly a Chevy Impala or similar vehicle.
In both instances, the suspect was described as a mixed or biracial man with a deep voice and green eyes. He had tattoos on his left arm that appeared to be a dragon and roses.
Anyone with information on either of these crimes is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500 or JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to a $3,000, call Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.