The search for a suspect in a stabbing incident that shook the heart of St. Augustine ended with the suspect's apprehension this morning. The St. Augustine Police Department had initiated an urgent manhunt following the stabbing that took place shortly after 8 a.m. on San Marco Avenue. In a statement obtained by News4JAX, officials detailed that they were looking for a light-skinned black female, approximately 5′3″ and 100 lbs, who was last seen wearing an orange long-sleeve top, tie-dye pants, and a black backpack, and riding a black bicycle.
Amid the search efforts, the St. Augustine police had warned the public, through a Facebook update, to expect to notably see a heavy police presence in the downtown area. The suspect's image was disseminated across social channels, including what appeared to be a booking photo and surveillance photos posted without an accompanying name. This digital engagement came as a direct response to the gravity of the situation, as no arrests had originally been made and the victim had been transported in critical condition to a hospital by St. Johns County Fire Rescue, as confirmed by ActionNewsJax.
The public played a pivotal role in aiding law enforcement through vigilance and information sharing. The St. Augustine Police Department's proactive approach in the investigation swiftly brought the suspect into custody, as updated in a Facebook post at 10:35 a.m. The department had earlier stressed the importance of public assistance, urging anyone who spied someone matching the suspect's description to promptly call 911.
Detailed updates on the case are expected to follow as investigations continue. For more information on the apprehension, visit the St. Augustine Police Department Facebook page.
