PALATKA, FLORIDA – At approximately 4:30 PM, Sunday, April 15th a resident inside her home located in the 200 block of Madison Street heard loud knocking on her front door. She stated that it sounded like someone was going to break her door down. She responded to the front door and found six (6) subjects on her front porch. They fled from the porch as she opened the door and confronted them. The victim followed the suspects as they fled and found a bicycle left behind by one of them. As she retrieved the bicycle, she was confronted by several of the suspects. They exchanged words and one of the suspects approached the victim and struck her in the face, knocking her to the ground. All the suspects fled at that point, running north on 3rd Street.
The victim, a 47 year old female, sustained injuries to her face, neck and shoulder. She was treated and released from the Putnam Community Medical Center. The suspects were described as six (6) black male teenagers. The suspect that struck the woman was described as having short hair and wearing brown shorts with a white shirt.
It is suspected that this incident was initially an attempted burglary to the residence. The suspects are believed to have been knocking on the door to see if anyone was home. If they had not gotten a response, they probably would have broken in to the home.
Chief Gary Getchell stated, “This is an outrageous event with uncalled for violence. This type of unwarranted attack shocks the conscience. The Palatka Police Department and the City will use every resource possible to bring these suspects to justice.”
If anyone has information on this case, please contact Sgt. Jason Shaw of the Palatka Police Department at 329-0115, extension 349 or Detective Danette Evey at 329-0115, extension 351. A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of suspect(s). Information can also be left on the Crime Tip Hotline at 329-0170.
