Man charged with attempted murder after dragging victim behind his van for blocks

In the early morning hours of Friday, September 2, deputies with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office were called to the 4700 block of Pearce Street in the Moncrief section of Jacksonville, Florida, in reference to a body lying in the road.  Upon responding to that call, officers found a victim who appeared to have been severely beaten – and dragged behind a vehicle by his lower extremities.

Deputies say that the victim was dragged for about two blocks beginning from the intersection of W. 36th Street and Moncrief Road.  The victim was transported to an area hospital and continues to be in life threatening condition.

A portion of the incident was captured on video from the Real Time Crime Center. Pictures of the suspect vehicle were immediately released to the community.  Within 24 hours, that vehicle was located and confirmed as being involved in the crime.

After locating the suspect vehicle, it was learned it had been reported stolen prior to this crime occurring. Homicide Detectives conducted neighborhood canvasses speaking to citizens in the area and followed up leads. Detectives identified, collected and analyzed evidence gathered in and around the crime scene as well as in the vehicle used during this horrendous crime.

As a result of the continued efforts of the assigned detectives, a person of interest quickly turned into a suspect and that individual was located and detained midday on Sunday, September 29.

The suspect has been identified as 24-year-old Eric Shaun Bridges. Following his interview in reference to this incident, he was arrested for Attempted Murder – which was upgraded from the original Aggravated Battery.

To date, deputies have not released a motive for why Bridges dragged his victim behind his van.

Police are asking that if anyone has any information regarding this crime, to please contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at 904-630-0500 or email them at JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org.

To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward up to $3,000 contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

For more on the story, see the video accompanying this article.

(Source: Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office)

~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter