JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A man responsible for breaking into multiple residences in Jacksonville‘s Westside and “intentionally engaging female victims” has been arrested, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
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On Sunday, police said 37-year-old Joseph Parrott was arrested for attempted sexual battery, burglary, and grand theft.
The investigation began earlier in the year when police learned that Parrott had burglarized multiple residences in the area of San Juan Avenue and Lake Shore Boulevard.
“The suspect‘s entry method was found to be mainly through unsecured accesses into the residences,” police said. “Once inside, [Parrott] would intentionally engage female victims that were occupying the residence...Once he made his presence known and was seen by the occupant, [Parrott] would leave the residence and the area on foot.”
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released pictures and information about the suspect at the time and asked the community for assistance in identifying him. That same day, officers patrolling the area were able to locate and make contact with Parrott, who then attempted to flee on a bike.
Officers then arrested Parrott on charges unrelated to the burglaries and brought him in for questioning.
As Parrott was held at a detention facility, detectives continued to investigate his alleged crimes.
“Through their investigative efforts, detectives were ultimately able to tie Joseph Parrott, 37, to the crime spree and he was re-arrested for multiple crimes,” JSO said.
Anyone with more information regarding the cases is encouraged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500.