Attacker Targets Wrong Female

 Even the best self defense can fail a person in the heat of the moment. Your mind and body can freeze up. You can forget your moves and training. And if the attacker is just stronger than you, training can sometimes not be enough especially in cases where men attack women. That was probably what Thomas Jones was counting on when he first spotted Nashali Alma working out in the apartment complex gym. Posing as a resident he pulled on the door motioning to Nashali to let him in. Not thinking he was up to anything other than getting a workout going, she obliged and returned to her weights.

Nashali Alma during NBC interview

It didn't take long for Jones to start acting strange and approach Alma to grab her. Clearly noticing his lack of personal space she jumped into action initially batting his arms away, shoving him, and putting exercise equipment between her and the assailant. But soon he closed in and forced a physical confrontation and that is exactly what he got. Using her self defense training Alma landed multiple punches and had Jones in a grappling hold on the ground. While in this hold, she was actually able to use her free hand to reach her cell phone in attempt to dial 911. Though Jones broke free before she could complete the action, he realized he had enough and backed away momentarily. 

Wisely Nashali used this brief break in the attack to leave the premises and alert the authorities from a nearby apartment unit. Surveillance footage of the event allowed police to identify and charge Thomas Jones with criminal counts of Sexual Battery, False Imprisonment, and Kidnapping. Self defense expert Patrick Lofton noted, "Alma's quick thinking under pressure was key. She fought back and most importantly she didn't freeze, she didn't fall into that trap." When asked to comment on the experience Alma stated, "No other person should have to go through this, no other person should have to feel like this." She is right. It should never happen to anyone but thankfully for her she was prepared and came out victorious.

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