TAMPA, FL – The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says its deputies are searching for a man who attacked and kidnapped a woman on Mother’s Day before she was ultimately able to escape and seek help.
From HCSO: On Sunday, at 11:00 a.m., a physical altercation between Cody Jackson, 32, and the victim took place at a residence located at King Charles Circle in Seffner. At one point, Jackson grabbed a piece of wood and struck the victim on the head, causing serious injuries to the victim’s head and body. Jackson forced the victim into a 2003 silver Mitsubishi Eclipse and drove away. At some point, he stopped the vehicle and tied the victim’s ankles and wrists with extension cords.
Jackson drove to Citrus County and stopped at a Citgo gas station in Inverness. While Jackson went inside the convenience store, the victim was able to break free from the restraints and ask for help. Upon noticing the victim had escaped, Jackson fled in an unknown direction. The vehicle was located near the intersection of US 41 North and Sunset Lane in Tampa.
Gas station clerk Rachel Craddock told FOX 13, “He seen the girl that he had bound in the car escaping from the car and he started running out the door. While he was running out the door she was running to my private door that was locked. She was banging on it, saying, ‘Help me! Help me! Help me! He’s gonna kill me! He’s right there, he’s right there!’ And I hurried up and unlocked the door and I pulled her in and I locked that door.”
“Extension cords around her arms and she had matted hair with blood, and all I could think was get her safe into the store with me,” said Craddock.
The victim was transported to Citrus Memorial Hospital where she received medical treatment.
“This man’s actions are reprehensible. He was threatening this victim’s life and it could have ended in tragedy had the victim not managed to escape just in time,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This attack was targeted. However, given Jackson’s violent behavior, we are urging anyone who comes in contact with him to please call us immediately. Please do not engage with the suspect, for he may be armed with a weapon.”
Anyone with information on Jackson’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.
