CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook urges residents to stay alert as deputies continue to search for a suspect accused of trying to grab a woman walking her dog in Jennings State Forest.
“We live in a safe community, but even a safe community, sometimes things happen,” Cook told News4JAX on Wednesday.
According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened yesterday morning as the woman was walking her dog in Jennings State Forest. Investigators say the suspect attempted to attack her, but the dog helped scare him off.
Deputies say the suspect has not been found.
A composite sketch was completed on Wednesday. The suspect is described as 6 feet tall white man with scruffy hair, a salt/pepper beard, yellow teeth, a strong odor.
Cook emphasized that Clay County remains a safe place — but people should still take precautions.
Cook said some residents choose to carry a firearm, and she noted that in this case, the victim’s large dog played a role in stopping the suspect.
Cook said people visit the park frequently, but she encouraged anyone spending time outdoors to remain aware of their surroundings and to be prepared.
News4JAX also spoke with self-defense instructor James Singletary at the Solid Based Performance Center in Green Cove Springs. Singletary said he spent 15 years training military members in Dubai, was inducted into the United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and is a 10-time world champion in jiu-jitsu.
Singletary demonstrated how to respond if someone grabs your wrist, saying the goal is to move toward the thumb side to break free — then create distance and get away.
If someone grabs higher on the shoulder, Singletary advised grabbing the outside pinky side, using your other hand to assist, then turning and running.
The sheriff’s office said deputies are continuing their search, and investigators are working on the composite sketch.
You can see more of Singletary’s self-defense advice below: