Bloodied And Beaten Woman Is Saved From Kidnapper By Gas Station Clerk

On Mother’s Day, a gas station clerk in Florida intervened in the alleged kidnapping of a woman while working an ordinary weekend shift. The clerk says all she could think about was getting this endangered woman to safety.

Rachel Craddock recalls working that Sunday afternoon when a car pulled up that happened to be occupied by a man accused of beating and forcing a woman into his vehicle. The man had been identified by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office as Cody Jackson, who had struck the woman over the head with a piece of wood while inside her home in Seffner.

According to authorities, Jackson then forced the woman into his car and drove away only stopping at one point to tie her ankles and wrists with an extension cord. Jackson then drove to the gas station.

While Jackson went into the store, the woman escaped from the restraints and bolted toward a side entrance to the gas station.

“He seen [sic] the woman that he had bound in the car escape from the car and he started running out the door,” Craddock explained. “While he was running out the door she was running to my private door that was locked.”

CORRECTION: The incident occurred Sunday, May 9, 2021. https://t.co/UEB9lOTtQL

— HCSO (@HCSOSheriff) May 10, 2021

“She was banging on it saying ‘Help me, help me. He’s going to kill me!'” she said. “I hurried up and unlocked the door and I pulled her in and I locked that door.”

Craddock quickly called 911 and noticed the woman had a laceration on her head.

“All I could think was get her safe into the store with me,” said Craddock.

Jackson jumped back in his car and sped off then later ditched it in Tampa. He is still on the run and possibly armed.

“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,” stated 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.”

If you have any information on Jackson’s whereabouts please call the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8200.