JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – A woman sleeping on Jacksonville Beach near First Street North about 9 p.m. Tuesday was awakened by a man sexually assaulting her, Jacksonville Beach police said.
The woman told police she and a friend were lying on the beach not far from the Sea Walk Pavilion when she fell asleep. She woke when she realized what was happening. Her friend wasn’t there anymore.
The attacker ran away, and spoke with several strangers, saying the woman made the claims of sexual assault because she asked him for money and he refused.
Police found Archie Brown, 46, on Beach Boulevard, and said he made an incriminating admission.
The victim identified Brown as her attacker and he was booked in jail and ordered held on $75,000 bond.
Despite this assault and a fatal shooting hours after Jacksonville Beach's Fourth of July display, some people still feel the area is safe.
"I feel it's extremely safe down here compared to other parts of Jacksonville and other parts of the country," said Tony Hall, who owns Jax Beach Surf Shop nearby.
Hall said he has recently began staying open until 10 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday because he feels it's safe.
"Since we have so little crime here, what kind does happen is extremely amplified, so it's kind of a sad situation when it gets that way," Hall said.
Victims of sexual violence have several resources in Jacksonville available to help them. Anyone who is currently or has been the victim of sexual violence is encouraged to contact the Women's Center of Jacksonville where they can receive support, advocacy and counseling.
Victims' privacy is protected and the Women's Center of Jacksonville is there to help.
Victims can call the office for information at 904-722-3000, or the 24/7 Rape Crisis Hotline at 904-721-7273 or visit womenscenterofjax.org/rape-recovery-and-prevention for more information.