THE BREAKDOWN: Clay County authorities are tracking a man who assaulted a woman walking her dog in Jennings Forest on June 16, 2026. The suspect fled into the woods after the victim’s dog bit him on the right arm, and a reward of up to $5,000 is now being offered for tips leading to an arrest.
Detectives are searching for an unknown man who grabbed a woman during a morning walk in Jennings Forest earlier this week.
The incident happened around 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, near Powell Ford Road. According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, a woman in her 20s was out on her routine walk with her dog when a stranger approached her and suddenly grabbed her by the arm.
Fearing for her safety, the woman threw her backpack at the man while her dog defended her, successfully scaring the attacker away. During the struggle, the dog bit the suspect on his right arm. The victim safely escaped the area without any injuries and immediately called 911. Patrol units and detectives arrived shortly after to search the area and interview the victim.
Investigators have since compiled and released a composite sketch of the suspect. He is described as a white male in his 40s, standing roughly 6 feet tall with a medium build weighing between 200 and 215 pounds. According to the sheriff’s office, the man has scruffy hair, a salt-and-pepper beard with little to no mustache, yellow teeth, and a strong, musty body odor. Because of the dog bite, authorities noted he likely has a fresh, visible injury on his right forearm area.
The sheriff’s office is asking for the community’s help in identifying the man from the sketch or description. Anyone with information regarding the incident or the suspect’s identity is urged to contact Detective Halston Jones immediately at 904-264-6512.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the SaferWatch app, or by calling First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477). Information provided to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest may qualify for a cash reward of up to $5,000.
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