Jacksonville Woman Fights Off Attacker Disguised as a Delivery Driver

The holiday season is a time for joy, but it also comes with unique risks to personal safety. Recently, a Jacksonville woman reminded us of the importance of staying vigilant when she bravely fought off a home invader posing as a delivery driver.

A 73-year-old Jacksonville woman, Karen Brown, is recovering in the hospital after bravely defending herself during a terrifying home invasion at her Westside home last Friday evening.

Around 5 p.m. on December 13, Karen heard scratching at her back door. When she stepped onto her back patio to investigate, she found a man holding a package. The man, later identified by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) as 20-year-old Jeremiah Thompson, claimed the package had been delivered to his house by mistake.

When Karen opened the door to accept the package, Thompson lunged at her, attacking her brutally. According to Karen’s niece, he beat her with the intent to kill. Despite her injuries, Karen fought back, making enough noise to draw the attention of her neighbors.

One neighbor began banging on Karen’s garage door, which startled Thompson and caused him to flee. JSO officers later apprehended Thompson and charged him with attempted second-degree murder, elder abuse, and home invasion robbery.

Karen’s family says she suffered significant injuries, including a small brain bleed, a broken hip, and a broken arm. She is no longer in intensive care but faces a difficult road to recovery.

JSO investigators praised Karen for her courage, saying her actions likely saved her life. Her family has started a verified GoFundMe to help with her medical expenses and recovery.

Lessons We Can Learn from This Incident

1. Think Twice Before Answering the Door:
   This time of year, delivery services often rely on temporary couriers to handle the influx of packages. While most are legitimate, some criminals exploit this system. If you’re not expecting a package or feel uncertain, it’s okay not to answer the door. Use a peephole, video doorbell, or window to verify who’s there before opening.

2. Have a Plan and Stay Prepared:
   Keeping a self-defense tool accessible can make all the difference. Whether it’s pepper spray, a personal alarm, or another self-defense weapon you’re trained to use, being prepared can boost your confidence and ability to react in dangerous situations.

3. Fight, Make Noise, and Seek Help:
   This brave woman did exactly what experts recommend: she fought back, made as much noise as possible, and drew attention to herself. These actions can deter attackers and increase the chances of intervention, as it did in this case.

At Protect Her Path, we’re committed to helping women stay safe by equipping them with knowledge, tools, and confidence. This story is a powerful reminder that predators can strike in unexpected ways. Always trust your instincts, be cautious about who you open your door to, and have a plan in place for your safety.

We encourage everyone to take time this season to evaluate your home safety routines. Whether it’s installing a video doorbell, learning self-defense techniques, or simply discussing safety plans with your family, small actions can make a big difference.

Your safety is worth protecting, every single day.

source: firstcoastnews.com