JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An 8-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in some woods off University Boulevard North near Fort Caroline Road on Monday evening, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
JSO Chief of Investigations Tom Hackney said the girl was badly beaten during the assault and was taken to a hospital for treatment.
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Police said that the assault happened around 6:40 p.m. While it appeared the girl appeared to be out by herself, witnesses said her parents were in the area.
Hackney said that they have very limited details on the male suspect, but there are several registered sexual predators in a two mile area of where the assault took place.
Detectives are asking for any footage that may have been captures on surveillance or traffic cameras in the area, or any physical evidence that witnesses may have come across.
Aside from asking for help from the public, Hackney did have advice for the community.
"Keep an eye on your kids," Hackney said.
