Early Tuesday, a routine dog walk through Jennings State Forest turned frightening when a Clay County woman had to fight off a man who grabbed her on the trail. She managed to break free and get away, sparking a public safety alert from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say she was not injured, and investigators headed back into the woods to search the area, collect evidence and warn nearby residents and regular trail users to stay alert while they follow up on leads.
What Deputies Say Happened On The Trail
Around 7:30 a.m., the woman told investigators she was walking her dog when a man she did not know came up to her and suddenly grabbed her arm. According to deputies, she fought back and her dog joined in, helping scare the suspect off. Deputies later recovered the woman’s backpack and are working with her to put together a composite sketch while they canvass the area for more information.
The suspect is described as a white man in his late 40s, about 6 feet tall, with a salt-and-pepper beard, scruffy hair, yellow teeth and a strong musty odor. He was last seen wearing a dark long-sleeved shirt, dark jeans and hiking boots, according to News4JAX.
How Authorities Are Responding
Sheriff Michelle Cook urged residents to stay vigilant and said deputies returned to the scene to look for the suspect and any additional evidence. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office lists its non-emergency line as (904) 264-6512, per the sheriff's website, and asks that tips be submitted through the SaferWatch app.
Jennings Forest: Big Woods, Many Ways In
Jennings State Forest stretches across the Clay–Duval county line and includes thousands of acres, multiple trailheads and several drive-in entrances, making it a popular but sprawling destination for hikers, equestrians and hunters. The Florida Forest Service notes several access points near County Road 218 and State Road 21, which can complicate searches in heavily wooded areas; see the Florida Forest Service overview for details.
Safety Tips For Hitting The Trails
If you plan to visit Jennings Forest, go with a partner during daylight hours, carry a charged phone, tell someone your route and avoid isolated trails alone. If you were in the area Tuesday morning or have video or other information that could help, contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at (904) 264-6512 or submit a tip through SaferWatch.
