ORANGE PARK, Fla. – The Orange Park Police Department is asking for the public's help in identifying a man in a sketch.
Police said the man attacked at 7 a.m Saturday while she was jogging on Doctor's Lake Drive.
The woman was able to resist the attacker and escaped unharmed. She ran one mile to the Orange Park Police Department.
A woman who lives along Doctor's Lake Drive told News4Jax she is worried about the man seen in the police sketch.
"How many people do we know that have done bad things that look like normal people? They don't wear signs," she said.
"This particular attack occurred on a Saturday morning. Weekend mornings are not necessarily the safest time to go running," said News4Jax Crime and Safety Expert Gil Smith.
Smith said the man probably chose this day and time, thinking not too many people would be around.
The neighborhood is marked by signs that say, "Warning, neighborhood watch. Help stop crime." This means neighbors in the area are
looking out for one another.
But Smith said bad guys could be out looking for anyone, which is why everyone needs to alert and aware.
As difficult as it may be to not jog or bike with a pair of headphones, Smith said it really is better to not listen to music. Smith also said it's a good idea to change up your jogging route from time to time.
When jogging or biking, carry wither mace or pepper spray. Using it on an attacker can give you the time you need to get away.
Contrary to what some may say, Smith doesn't recommend carrying a weapon like a pocket knife, because if the attacker got a hold of it, the attacker could use it against you.
"Nike also makes running outfits that have a whistle attached so you can make a loud noise," Smith said. "That's the key. Any type of attack is to scream or make a loud noise. Or if you have a whistle, that's going to draw someone's attention."
As police continue to search and neighbors go about their business, the woman News4Jax spoke with is keeping a closer eye.
"My driveway is off the road, far enough back that if somebody was out there, I wouldn't see them. This definitely makes me more
aware," she said.
The suspect is described as being in his mid-20s to early 30s, 6 feet tall, 150 pounds and wore a camouflage T-shirt. He has an olive complexion and could be of Hispanic or Mediterranean descent, police said.
Anyone who can help identity the man is asked to call the Orange Park Police Department at 904-264-5555.