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Police Seek Suspect, Car In Avondale Attempted Robbery, Sex Attack

Nissan Rogue
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

Jacksonville police are looking for a man they say attempted to sexually assault and rob a woman outside her Avondale home Monday around 7:15 a.m. near the intersection of Hershel Street and Marquette Avenue.

The Sheriff’s Office says the victim was attempting to pull out of her driveway when she noticed a trash can was placed behind her car. When she got out to move it, the man grabbed her mouth and put a gun to her head.

The suspect then took her to the backyard, went through her purse, and attempted a sexual advance on her before he ran away. He’s described as about 5 foot 9, with a deep voice, but the victim did not get a good look at him.

Police are also looking for a vehicle they believe may be connected to the incident. It’s a 2015 silver Nissan Rogue SUV with Florida tag EWGD71. That car was reported stolen on Sunday, September 25th. 

The alleged assault happened after two other women were attacked and punched in the face in the same area, around St. Johns Avenue, on the morning of Aug. 16, as first reported by our partner News4Jax.

And at the same time, other women in Avondale have reported suspicious activity. Just blocks away from the attempted robbery and sexual assault, women reported a man’s watching and videotaping them through their bedroom window in mid-August. 

Anyone with any information about the incidents or who knows the location of the vehicle is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or email  JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org.   To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward up to $3,000, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS. 

Jessica Palombo supervises local news gathering and production, podcasts and web editorial content for WJCT News, ADAPT and Jacksonville Today. She is an award-winning writer and journalist with bylines including NPR, Experience Magazine, and The Gainesville Sun. She has a master’s degree in broadcast and digital journalism from Syracuse University and is an alumna of the University of Florida. A nearly lifelong resident of Jacksonville, she considers herself lucky to be raising her own children in her hometown. Follow Jessica Palombo on Twitter: @JaxJessicaP