ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — A registered sexual predator accused of forcing a victim into a business bathroom at knifepoint, attempting a sexual assault and trying to steal the victim’s vehicle was arrested Saturday, November 7, 2026, following a three-hour manhunt in St. Johns County.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as 24-year-old Kendrick Destacy Newby, who faces multiple felony charges stemming from the attack and his subsequent attempt to evade deputies.
According to the sheriff’s office, its Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call Saturday reporting an attempted sexual battery and armed robbery.
Investigators with the agency’s Special Victims Unit determined that Newby, who is a registered sexual predator, allegedly forced the victim into the bathroom of a business while armed with a knife.
The victim managed to escape from the bathroom, but Newby chased the victim out of the building, investigators said.
Newby then attempted to flee in the victim’s vehicle. A bystander intervened and forcibly removed him from the car, preventing him from driving away.
After the confrontation, Newby ran into a wooded area, where authorities said he removed his electronic ankle monitor.
Deputies Find Suspect Armed With Knife After Three-Hour Search
The sheriff’s office launched a search involving patrol deputies, aviation resources, drones and K9 units.
After approximately three hours, deputies located Newby hiding in the woods.
Authorities said he was still armed with a knife when they found him.
Newby was taken into custody following the search.
Eight Criminal Charges Filed Against Suspect
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office announced that Newby was arrested on the following charges:
- Attempted armed sexual battery
- Armed robbery
- Aggravated assault
- Kidnapping
- Grand theft of a motor vehicle
- Tampering with an electronic monitoring device
- Resisting without violence
- Violation of probation
Newby was convicted in St. Johns County on June 30, 2020 of Sexual Battery with a Deadly Weapon or Force. He was sentenced to 7 years in state prison with 311 days credited for time served. On July 1, 2020, he was declared a Sexual Predator. He was released on August 22, 2026. After release, his 10 years of active reporting probation began.