MIDDLEBURG, Fla. – A 22-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say he grabbed a woman who was jogging in a Middleburg neighborhood, dragged her into the woods and attempted to sexually assault her before she fought him off and escaped.
The attack occurred at approximately 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, along Tynes Boulevard in the Two Creeks area of Middleburg, according to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators said the woman was jogging when she passed a man she did not recognize. The man, later identified as Jayson Alexander-Izzak Thomas, 22, allegedly approached her from behind, grabbed her and pulled her into a nearby wooded area.
According to the sheriff’s office, Thomas threw the woman to the ground and began forcibly removing her clothing.
The woman fought back, managed to escape and ran to a nearby home, where residents called 911.
Suspect Allegedly Changed Clothes While Fleeing Deputies
Clay County deputies and detectives responded and immediately began searching for Thomas.
Authorities said Thomas fled from the woods into a nearby neighborhood and ran through several backyards while attempting to evade law enforcement.
At some point during the search, investigators said Thomas changed his clothes, apparently while trying to avoid detection.
Thomas then allegedly entered a home in the Pine Ridge area without permission. The homeowners did not know him and confronted him after finding him inside their residence.
Thomas fled from the home but was confronted by deputies a short time later and taken into custody.
According to the sheriff’s office, Thomas was located within approximately 30 minutes of the initial 911 call.
Kidnapping, Attempted Sexual Battery Charges Filed
Following an interview with detectives, Thomas was charged with:
- Kidnapping
- Attempted Sexual Battery
- Burglary to an Occupied Residence
- Resisting Without Violence
The woman was transported to a local hospital to be evaluated for minor injuries.
Several locations were processed as part of the investigation.
Tynes Elementary Placed on Hold During Search
During the manhunt, nearby Tynes Elementary School was temporarily placed on a “hold” status as a precaution.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that the incident had no connection to the school or anyone on campus. The precaution was taken because deputies were actively searching the surrounding area for Thomas.
Sheriff Michelle Cook praised the victim for fighting back and escaping.
“There’s no easy way to describe the courage it takes to fight back during such a horrifying and frightening situation, but our victim found that courage,” Cook said. “Her strength and bravery is nothing short of remarkable and helped bring our suspect to justice.”
Anyone with additional information about the investigation is asked to contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at 904-264-6512. Anonymous information can also be submitted through the SaferWatch app or First Coast Crime Stoppers.