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Violent Crime Spree Hits Southside Neighborhoods

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Residents of Southside neighborhoods in Jacksonville woke up to a concerning wave of violent crimes, with multiple incidents reported in recent days. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, the crimes range from aggravated battery to robbery and burglary, leaving many frightened and wondering about their safety. Among the reported incidents, a group of teenagers attacked two boys and a girl with baseball bats, while a man was arrested for sexual battery and battery after attacking a 24-year-old woman.

Key Takeaways:

  • On January 20, a group of four to six teenage boys attacked two boys, 14 and 15, and a 15-year-old girl with baseball bats in the 6800 block of Old Kings Road South.
  • The victims suffered cuts, bruises, and a bloody nose, but declined medical assistance.
  • A 27-year-old Southside man was arrested on a charge of burglary for attempting to steal a video game from an apartment on December 22.
  • A 44-year-old Southside man was arrested for sexual battery and battery after a 24-year-old woman was attacked on January 1.
  • A 46-year-old man was stabbed in the arm and bitten on the chest during an argument at a motel on Monday.
  • A 61-year-old woman was shoved to her knees and robbed at a bus stop on January 21.
  • A 75-year-old Arlington man was robbed by a day laborer he had picked up earlier on January 21.
  • The Baha'i Center on St. Johns Bluff Road was burglarized, with nothing apparently stolen.
  • A purse, digital camera, and glasses were stolen from a classroom at Wolfson High School on January 20.

Statistics:

  • 4-6 teenage boys were involved in the attack on two boys and a girl.
  • 3 of the attackers used baseball bats to inflict injuries on the victims.
  • The victims declined medical assistance.
  • 2 suspected burglars were arrested in connection with separate incidents.
  • 2 reported victims suffered physical injuries: cuts, bruises, and a bloody nose.

Sources:

  • Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
  • The Florida Times-Union, "Violent Crime Hits Southside Neighborhoods" by Dan Scanlan
  • dan.scanlan@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4549

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