A girl is talking out after surviving an assault on her at a gymnasium in Tampa, Florida.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Workplace shared a videos of the Jan. 22 incidents. The video was edited by the sheriff’s workplace, together with the on-screen captions.
Notice: This video could also be tough to look at.
Nashali Alma, 24, was figuring out alone within the gymnasium of her residence complicated when she observed a person standing outdoors the door, authorities mentioned.
Alma mentioned she let the person in as a result of she had seen him beforehand on the gymnasium. Nonetheless, after she had resumed exercising, the person tried to seize her waist.
“As quickly as he was approaching me, I pushed him. I mentioned, ‘Bro, what the F are you doing? Get away from me, cease making an attempt to the touch me,’” Alma mentioned within the video. “He began chasing me across the bench, and we ended up on the opposite aspect of the gymnasium.”
Alma mentioned she tried to name 911 as he pursued her. Later within the video, the person may be seen pinning Alma down on the ground as she struggles.
Ultimately, the person launched Alma and he or she fled to a close-by residence, police mentioned.
Authorities have recognized the suspect as Xavier Thomas-Jones, 25.
He was arrested lower than 24 hours after the incident and faces prices of sexual battery, false imprisonment and kidnapping, in line with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Workplace. TODAY.com was not in a position to establish a lawyer for Thomas-Jones.
“I might inform each girl at all times to maintain combating, by no means surrender,” Alma mentioned. “So long as you combat again and present him that you just’re sturdy and you are not giving up, I imagine it is attainable to flee.
“It is higher to succeed in out to legislation enforcement before later,” she continued. “The earlier they’ve the knowledge, the earlier they will catch that individual.”
Sheriff Chad Chronister added in a press launch: “I used to be disgusted by the suspect’s actions, how he preyed on this younger girl. This girl’s energy, braveness and dedication are inspiring. I do know that her braveness to share this story will impression the lives of many different ladies.”
