Update: GPD apprehends rape, kidnapping suspect

Update (8:27 p.m.): The Gainesville Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with both the sexual assault and kidnapping incidents that took place Friday morning in southwest Gainesville. 

GPD has charged Antwine Samuel Johnson, 31, on counts of sexual battery and kidnapping.

“Physical evidence discarded on scene as well as other digital evidence collected during the timeframe of the attacks proved vital to the resolution of these tragedies,” a GPD press release said. “Other charges are pending the outcome of multiple forensic examinations of other evidence.”

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Antwine Samuel Johnson

Johnson is currently in the Alachua County Jail on charges related to the two incidents as well as a third, unspecified offense allegedly committed later Friday morning. 

GPD said its detectives continue to investigate and urged anyone who may have seen Johnson between midnight and 4 a.m. Friday to contact Sgt. Jaron Griffin at: 352-393-7734 or Crimestoppers at: 352-372-7867 or stopcrimetv.com.

Our original story (2:53 p.m.)

The Gainesville Police Department is investigating two separate attacks on women that occurred in the southwest Gainesville area.

At 12:15 a.m., one victim was jogging around 2300 SW 23rd Terrace when she was attacked and forced into a vehicle, police said. The victim attempted to call 911, but the kidnapper took her phone and threatened to rape and kill her. She was able to escape the moving vehicle and ran for help.

According to GPD, the woman described her kidnapper as a black male with curly hair around 6 feet tall with a thin, muscular build and wearing khaki shorts and a dark-colored t-shirt driving a dark sedan.

At 3:30 a.m., officers responded to an incident at 2800 SW 35th Place for an alleged sexual battery. The victim was entering her apartment when the perpetrator threatened her with a gun and forced her into a wooded area where he raped her and fled on foot. The rapist is described as a black male around 6 feet tall with a slim build and dreadlocks.

GPD is asking anyone with information to call detective Sgt. Jaron Griffin at 352-393-7734. Citizens can make anonymous tips to Alachua County Crime Stoppers at www.stopcrime.tv.

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