Featured Image Credit: HCSOSheriff
Topics: True crime, US News, Crime
Katherine Sidnell
A woman has bravely defended herself after she was attacked at her apartment’s gym complex in Tampa, Florida.
The shocking moment was caught on CCTV, which showed 24-year-old Nashali Alma trying to flee the man before fighting back.
Local police later shared the footage on social media, hoping that it would encourage other women to speak up should they ever have a similar experience.
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Despite what she’s been through, Alma found the courage to report the incident and share her story with others.
Her attacker, 25-year-old Xavier Thomas-Jones, had been waiting by the glass door and Alma assumed that he was coming to work out at the gym.
"I didn't think anything out of that." she said.
She also said that she had previously seen him at the gym before.
For a time, Alma continued to work out alone in peace until Jones approached her and attempted to grab her waist repeatedly.
"As soon as he was approaching me, I pushed him. I said, 'Bro, what the f are you doing? Get away from me. Stop trying to touch me,'" she said.
After several minutes of trying to evade her attacker, Alma was pinned down.
But she continued to fight back.
Eventually, Jones released her and fled the scene, allowing Alma to run to a nearby apartment and call the police.
Because of her bravery, police was able to arrest Jones less than 24 hours later.
He now faces charges of sexual battery, false imprisonment and kidnapping.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said that he was ‘grateful’ that she came forward with her experience.
"I was disgusted by the suspect’s actions, how he preyed on this young woman. This woman's strength, courage, and determination are inspiring." he said.
He added: “I know her story is going to be an inspiration to other women.”
Alma has gone on to speak about her assault, and has encouraged other women to fight against their attackers in a video interview with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
“My advice would be to never give up,” Alma said, adding: “My parents always told me in life to never give up on anything and that's one thing I kept in my mind when I was fighting him,"
The bodybuilder added: "As long as you fight back and show him that you're strong and you're not giving up, I believe it's possible to escape."