St. Johns County deputies say man who asked young girl to pet dog is not a threat, just has 'beloved' pet

Jacksonville, FL — St. Johns County parents can now breathe a sigh of relief.

After the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office asked for the public's help identifying a man who had a strange encounter with a young girl in St. Augustine, deputies now say he's not a threat.

Instead, deputies tell us the man has been identified as a long-time resident of the area and just likes letting people pet his dog, apparently a Yorkie, named Pixie. 

FULL ST. JOHNS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE RESPONSE:

GOOD NEWS!: Detectives with the Special Victim's Unit have identified the subject that was a subject of interest in a suspicious incident involving communication with a young girl on Monday afternoon. Detectives received numerous tips and identified the individual after following a lead to a house in an adjoining neighborhood. According to investigators, the subject is an older man who is a long term resident of the community, who, along with his wife and dog drive the neighborhood each day speaking with neighbors. Detectives interviewed the subject, along with neighbors and others who know the elderly man. They also confirmed the identity of the subject with the young female as being one and the same.

Investigators have determined there was no attempt at any criminal behavior and the subject involved was simply talking to the young girl with his dog (which is apparently a beloved pet and is offered up often for individuals to pet).