Search continues for man accused of raping woman near Bartram Park

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Officers continue to search for a man who allegedly raped a mother behind a Publix shopping plaza in Bartram Park.

The woman told police her toddler was in a stroller just feet away from her when she was attacked.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is asking for the public’s help in finding her attacker, who is described as light-skinned with a muscular build with straight black hair and brown eyes.

Action News Jax law and safety expert Dale Carson said potential victims have to determine what they’re willing to do to call attention to themselves.

“Most assaults can be terminated by simply shouting and making noise, screaming and drawing attention to yourself,” said Carson.

Carson said you can typically tell by a person's actions whether he or she wants to hurt you, but not all assailants respond the same way.

“The very activity of yelling and screaming can be the worst thing to do because that may trigger a violent response by the perpetrator,” said Carson.

Staying in a public area helps reduce a threat, and Carson said people need to always be on alert.

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said on Friday the male suspect was driving behind the Bartram Park shopping plaza making catcalls to the victim.

JSO said that’s when he followed the woman and her baby into a wooded area and assaulted the mother.

Police said the 20- to 30-year-old man is believed to have scratches on his face from the attack, which occurred shortly before 6 p.m.

The suspect was last seen wearing gray pants, and his vehicle is described as an older model gray four-door Honda with "damaged looking" tinted windows.

Cox Media Group