UPDATE:
The search for a man who physically battered and kidnapped a victim is now over. Cody Lee Jackson is in custody.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and surrounding law enforcement agencies have been looking for Jackson since May 9, 2021, when detectives say a physical altercation between Jackson and the victim took place at a residence in Seffner. Jackson forced the victim into a vehicle and drove away. At some point, Jackson stopped the vehicle and tied the victim's ankles and wrists with extension cords. The victim was able to escape when Jackson stopped at a gas station in Inverness.
On May 18, 2021, at 7:46 p.m. Plant City Police located a stolen vehicle and identified the driver as Cody Lee Jackson. Full details of PCPD's arrest are below in their release.
"Thanks to the outstanding teamwork with Plant City PD, superb attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to bringing this man into custody, we can say that a dangerous individual is off the streets," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Criminals do not follow jurisdictional boundaries, so partnerships with our neighboring agencies are essential to keeping our community safe."
This is still an active investigation. No other details can be provided. Any updates will come from the HCSO Public Affairs Office.
PLANT CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT"S RELEASE:
On the above-listed date time and location, the Plant City Police Department Communications Center received a 911 from the Circle K store, that a vehicle had just been stolen and the suspect was seen leaving the store in a northbound direction. The caller advised the vehicle was a silver Chevrolet Cobalt, with a missing (broken) passenger door rearview mirror. The suspect was described as a W/M wearing a brown and beige cowboy hat. Several officers were going towards the scene, when a vehicle matching that description was seen by police a short distance away at the BP Gas Station, located at 2009 N. Wheeler St. in Plant City. An officer pulled behind the vehicle to conduct an investigatory traffic stop and observed a W/M sitting in the vehicle with the door open, who matched the description given to police at the time of the theft. Initially, the W/M attempted to leave by closing the door and attempting to drive away. Another officer was able to respond and stop in front of the vehicle and prevent the vehicle’s departure. The officer ordered the driver out of the vehicle multiple times before he finally complied with commands. He was detained a short time after without incident.
The driver identified himself verbally as Cody Lee Jackson, DOB 04/21/89. The vehicle owner was brought to the scene and was able to identify her vehicle and that she had not given Jackson permission to take her vehicle. The hat described by a witness was found in plain view in the passenger seat area. She does not know Jackson at all. A FCIC/NCIC check was completed on Jackson, which returned with Jackson having an outstanding arrest warrant out of Citrus County for False Imprisonment and Kidnapping, which has no bond. He also has outstanding Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office warrants for Grand Theft Motor Vehicle, which has a $2000 bond. One count of False Imprisonment with a $15,000 bond and two counts of Kidnapping to Harm or Terrorize, each count having a $15,000 bond. Jackson was also charged with Grand Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Resisting Arrest Without Violence. He was placed under arrest for these charges and transported to Central Booking without incident.
ORIGINAL HCSO RELEASE:
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a man who physically battered and kidnapped a victim, before they were ultimately able to escape and seek help.
On Sunday, April 9, 2021, at approximately 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.
The victim was transported to Citrus Memorial Hospital where they are receiving 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.