JSO determines no abduction occurred, following concerning report at The Avenues Mall

Jacksonville, FL — UPDATE: JSO says both of these people have been located safe. They contacted police after seeing the story on the news. JSO says no crime is believed to have occurred, and this was not an abduction.

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Jacksonville police are trying to ensure a woman is safe, after a report of an abduction at The Avenues Mall.

JSO says they received a call from witnesses about an abduction near the Belk parking lot. We’re told a man was seen driving through the parking lot, following a woman. At one point, the man reportedly stopped, got out, and pulled the woman in to the vehicle.

Police are not sure if the two people involved in this incident know each other, so they’re asking for your help to make sure the possible female victim is safe.

That woman is described as appearing to be around 5’5”, with olive skin, and long curly brown hair. The possible suspect is a black man who’s around 6’ and was wearing a dark gray long-sleeved shirt, dark pants, and white tennis shoes. They were in a white 2016-2018 Ford Explorer that appeared to have a dealer or temporary tag.

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JSO says the woman may have just gotten off work or been shopping at the mall ahead of the incident. They’re contacting stores about any employees matching the description, and they’re also checking cars in the parking lot. Police are asking you to try to contact anyone you know who matches this description and may have been at the mall, and if you can’t contact that person, police want you to let them know.

You can contact JSO at 904-620-0500 or JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. You can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

Police are giving more information shortly after 6PM about this incident. This is a developing story that will be updated as that information is available.