PCSD: Suspect still at large after attacking jogger near Christina Taylor Green Park | News

PIMA COUNTY, Ariz. (KVOA) – Pima County Sheriff’s deputies need the public’s help in locating a man who attacked a woman in northwest Tucson Friday morning.

What was supposed to be just a simple run near Christina Taylor Green Park turned out to be anything but.

Pima County officials said a woman was jogging on a trail shortly before 9:30 a.m. Friday when a man stopped her and attacked her without warning.

“It’s obviously very concerning,” said Elizabeth Pope, who regularly jogs near the park at the corner of Shannon and Magee roads.

Pope told News 4 Tucson that she has been jogging in the area for at least 10 years and has never heard of anything like this.

“It’s unfortunate because I think everyone has the right to feel safe in their neighborhood. I think we as women are certainly not particularly aware of that,” Pope said.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the woman had seen her attacker before in the park near Tucson, but this time he stopped to talk to her, and as she was about to continue jogging, the worst happened.

“(The suspect) puts her in a headlock and starts hitting her in the head. She goes down, he runs away,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said.

News 4 Tucson was curious and wanted to know how to defend ourselves in such a situation, so we visited a martial arts school.

Jafet Serrato of News 4 Tucson asked someone at the school what someone can do if they are put in a headlock.

“So you see she’s getting into a headlock over there. She’s going to grab his left wrist with her left hand and the back of his knee with her right hand. And you see a perfect trip down there. He’s down, she’s up, it’s leverage against leverage, no matter how big or small you are.”

June Holmes comes to Apex Mixed Martial Arts and believes that learning these types of moves is not pointless.

“It builds your self-esteem and helps you be prepared if something happens,” Holmes said.

This attack near the park has shocked the area, but residents like Elizabeth Pope will do their best to help find the attacker.

“I think it’s certainly our duty to keep our eyes open,” Pope said.

Authorities believe the suspect is 20 years old, Hispanic or Native American, and approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall.

He also has a large build and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, shorts and red tennis shoes. If you know anything, call 911.