Woman in fear after convenience store attack

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 39-year-old Westside woman who was the victim of a random assault outside a convenience store Monday night said the attack has changed the way she lives her life.

Kisha Cuotto hardly made it out of the door of Quickway Food Mart at 770 N. McDuff Ave. before being punched three times in the face by a man she said she doesn't even know.

"I just remember one hit. The other two hits didn't connect, but the first hit was the major one," Cuotto said. "Any man that will sucker punch a woman, that's a danger to society."

WATCH: Surveillance video shows attack

Cuotto said she fears for her life because the man seen in store surveillance video is still at large. She said she's thankful he didn't have a gun or a knife.

Cuotto said as she was walking into the store about 9:30 p.m. Monday, someone asked her for 75 cents. She said no, and then the attack happened as she left the store.

"I think it had more to do with my attitude when someone asks me for my money," Cuotto said.

Cuotto was talking on her cellphone when she came out of the store, making her less aware of the things that were going on. She said in hindsight, she wishes she had been more aware of her surroundings.

The assault has changed the way she goes about her daily life.

"I'm terrified of strange men," said Cuotto, who lives near the store. "I don't go to that store anymore, and I've secluded myself. I haven't stayed at home since."

Customers who shop at the store on a regular basis say they worry about the safety of the women in their lives.

"If he could do that to her, he could do it to my mama, nieces, my sisters, anyone I care about," customer Ivory Rhodes said. "So of course I hope they catch him."

The man who attacked Cuotto is described as 25 years old, 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 200 pounds, with unkempt hair and wearing all black clothing.

Anyone who has any information on his identity is asked to call the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.


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Tarik anchors the 4, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. weekday newscasts and reports with the I-TEAM.