Ex-firefighter's trial begins this week

Man accused of beating, raping woman last year

Daniel Evans sits in court during jury selection for his trial.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A jury was selected Monday to hear the trial of a former Jacksonville firefighter charged with sexual battery, kidnapping and attempted murder.

Daniel Evans, 31, formerly a three-year member of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, has pleaded not guilty to charges resulting from what police first thought was a random attack on a woman leaving a downtown bar last year.

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According to a police report, the victim had just left Dos Gatos on East Forsyth Street and was walking to a parking garage when Evans struck her in the head, dragged her into an alley, beat and raped her.

Jacksonville police were flagged down by a witness who heard the assault, according to the report.

Evans was arrested after the witness identified him as the suspect seen running from the alley, according to the report. Police said he appeared to be heavily intoxicated.

Evans charged with first charged with sexual battery and kidnapping, and the attempted murder charge was added earlier this month.

Opening statements in the trial are expected to begin Wednesday morning.