A Jacksonville crime and safety expert is weighing in on a case involving a man accused by police of targeting multiple women over three days, saying the allegations describe what could be a concerning pattern, according to investigators.
31-year-old Brett Pincomb is in the Duval County Jail facing charges that include sexual battery, kidnapping, attempted armed sexual battery, and attempted murder.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the charges stem from multiple separate incidents reported between May 13 and May 15 at an apartment complex in Point Meadows Place.
According to police reports, investigators believe Pincomb met several women in a short period of time and later invited them to his apartment, where the alleged incidents occurred. Portions of the reports remain redacted.
Crime and safety expert Mark Baughman reacted to the suspect’s behavior based on what investigators have described in the case.
“[He’s] Walking amongst us, feeling very comfortable in what he’s doing and picking his spots and his vulnerable victims and then luring them to where he wants them,” Baughman said.
According to law enforcement, four women reported encounters with Pincomb over the three days, with incidents occurring at the same apartment complex.
Police said one woman described the apartment as extremely dirty and said she feared for her safety during the encounter.
In another case, investigators said a woman was able to escape after meeting Pincomb at the complex and going inside the apartment.
In a separate incident on May 15, police said a woman was approached by the suspect inside an elevator after he lied to her about his identity before the encounter, where the incident escalated into an attempted armed sexual battery. According to the report, she was able to activate an emergency call system in the elevator and alert authorities, prompting the suspect to run away.
“The victim in the first case did an outstanding job. She diverted his attention. He doesn’t know how to react, and next thing you know, he’s wanting to get away from that,” Baughman added.
According to investigators, Pincomb later made statements to police after being detained. JSO said he also referenced additional alleged victims during questioning.
Baughman said the charges are based on victims coming forward to report what they experienced, and he said that some victims may never report it.
“Sometimes the victim ends up being grilled like the suspect, and maybe their whole life gets dissected by law enforcement or anyone looking into it,” Baughman said as to why some victims may be hesitant.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.