How to defend yourself against an attacker

HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) – Police say a 60-year-old woman was attacked shortly after entering the women's restroom at a Hilliard retail store.

On Sept. 20, the woman entered the restroom at the At Home store at 3599 Park Mill Run Drive, where she was attacked by an unknown man. NBC4 obtained audio from a call to police in which a person reported that the attacker was waiting in the women's restroom. According to the Hilliard Division of Police, the suspect was later identified as Mohamed Camara, 26, of Columbus.

The woman fought back, drawing the attention of her family, who ran to her, called 911 and did not let Camara leave until officers arrived, police said.

“This victim did everything right,” Hilliard police wrote in a social media post. “She fought hard, she cried loudly for help and she is doing a great job assisting in our investigation.”

Watch: How to defend yourself against an attacker

Mel Thompson, owner of Hilliard Taekwondo Academy, said she was angry because she was about the same age as the victim. She said the incident hasn't left her mind.

Thompson said it is critical that individuals are prepared to defend themselves at all times.

“If someone approaches you, they say, ‘Stop! Back! “You’re making me uncomfortable if you use this,” Thompson said. “If someone catches you, they get their hands on you and you fight back.”

Thompson said the victim did everything she tells people in her self-defense classes.

“She screamed for people to hear and she fought back,” she said. “It’s not frozen. She didn't quiet down. She was not a submissive victim.”
Thompson said to always keep your head up.

“Walk confidently, don’t look at your phone, pay attention to what’s going on around you so you can see if anyone is approaching you,” Thompson said. “If you have eye contact with people, the likelihood of them being an attacker is much lower because, first of all, you don't look like a good victim and you can identify them.”

Thompson said she strongly believes that everyone, especially women and children, should know how to defend themselves. She said it's not about being strong, it's about being fast.

She doesn't mind self-defense tools like spray or a sharp object on a keychain, but advises that you know how to use them; otherwise they can be used against you.

“Even something as simple as spray,” Thompson said. “People will have maces, but what they don't always realize is that if you're near your attacker and spray them, if they're smart, they'll wipe it off their face and into your face.”

The police Facebook post also urged residents to be aware of their surroundings, follow their gut instincts and not be afraid to scream for help.

The department encouraged anyone who believes they may have information relevant to the case to contact Detective Brandon Long at [email protected].

Thompson said money should not be a barrier to feeling safe. She regularly offers free self-defense classes at Hilliard Taekwondo Academy. Details will be published on the website and on Facebook.

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