ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Deputies have identified a man accused of following a woman who was holding a young child around a grocery store, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office announced late Sunday afternoon.
Over the weekend, the Sheriff’s Office released photos and video of the man. Deputies said the man followed a woman who was holding a young child into the Publix on State Road 13 on Wednesday. Deputies said the man was caught on camera, following the woman around the store without purchasing anything.
When the woman entered the checkout line, according to deputies, the man walked out of the store, waited outside and then followed her to her car.
Deputies said the woman was able to hide from the man and went into the store to notify employees, but the man was gone by the time they returned to the parking lot.
ALL EYES ON THIS ONE - WE NEED TO IDENTIFY HIM: On January 15, the photographed individual followed an adult female who...
Posted by St. Johns County Sheriff's Office on Friday, January 17, 2020
Sheriff’s Office spokesman Chuck Mulligan said that while there may not be any criminal activity, deputies wanted to speak with the man caught on camera.
“At this time, what we want to do is talk to the individual, identify and talk to him and ask him what his activity was, why were you following this person?” Mulligan told News4Jax on Sunday.
The Sheriff’s Office also released a photo of a man who a woman said followed her around a retail store in the same area of St. Johns County.
“In both circumstances, the scenario and likeness are similar, although it is not confirmed at this time to be the same individual. Detectives would like to identify the subject and discuss his/their actions regarding the activity,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.
Yesterday, we posted images of a male subject who was alleged to have been following an adult female through an area grocery store, while carrying a young child. Today, we have acquired video from the store to assist in possibly identifying this man. We also have a second female who has come forward due to a man allegedly following her through a retail store, along the same traffic corridor in the NW District. In both circumstances, the scenario and likeness are similar, although it is not confirmed at this time to be the same individual. Detectives would like to identify the subject and discuss his/their actions regarding the activity. If you can identify the individual(s), in these images, please contact Detective Chris Alexander at calexander@sjso.org or at 904-295-3440. To remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward, contact Crime Stoppers at 888-277-TIPS, by visiting tips.sjso.org, or by using the P3 Tips App!
Posted by St. Johns County Sheriff's Office on Saturday, January 18, 2020
About 4:30 p.m. Sunday, the Sheriff’s Office announced that the man had been identified thanks to tips from the community.
As deputies continue to investigate the incidents, residents are urged to be aware of their surroundings.
“Anywhere you go, at any time, if you’re getting in or out of your car, stay in the area before you exit your vehicle, before your doors (are) unlocked and (make) sure that there’s no one right around you before you get out of your vehicle,” Mulligan said.
UPDATE: Thanks to numerous tips regarding the suspicious incidents in area retail stores in NW District, the subject...
Posted by St. Johns County Sheriff's Office on Sunday, January 19, 2020