WOMAN ASSAULTED WHILE WALKING AROUND LAKE YARD

Matt Boster

Viewed: 7837

Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Apr 24 2019 7:56 AM

DeFuniak Springs Police responded to the area of Circle Drive and Georgia Avenue around 3:15 p.m. Tuesday in reference to a female who advised she had been assaulted. Witnesses advised they found the female lying face down on the ground near the sidewalk.

The victim advised she was walking and had noticed a white male wearing an oversized dark blue hoodie and dark pants across Circle Drive from where she was. According to the victim, the suspect came up from behind and shoved her to the ground. She began yell and the suspect yelled for her to shut-up. She reported seeing a pocket knife. Her face was covered in dirt and her arm had bruising consistent with being grabbed.

A Walton County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped to render aid to the victim until Officers and Walton Fire Rescue could arrive. K-9 Teams from Walton and Okaloosa Correctional Institutes were called to deploy their tracking dogs which searched the area, but were unable to track the suspect. Walton Middle School was placed on lockdown for a short period until the area was cleared.

Most students had been released for the day just before this incident was reported. “It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious persons or activity to us,” said Chief James Hurley. The victim was transported by private vehicle to Healthmark Regional Medical Center for evaluation. The incident appears to be motivated by an attempted robbery of a cell phone. Fortunately the victim’s reaction caused the suspect to flee without getting the phone.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact Detective Paul Lewis at 850-892-8513. Callers may remain anonymous by contacting Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers anonymously at (850) 863-TIPS, at www.emeraldcoastcrimestoppers.com or submit a tip via the P3 Mobile App.

<- back