A video launched by authorities in Florida on Wednesday captured a dramatic scene in a fitness center final month as a lady fought off a suspected attacker later charged with kidnapping and different crimes.
The edited safety video, launched by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Workplace, reveals Nashali Alma, 24, opening the door to her residence’s fitness center for a person authorities recognized as Xavier Thomas-Jones, 25, on Jan. 22.
Within the video, a person approaches Alma close to a weight set and grabs her.
“As quickly as he was approaching me, I stated, ‘Bro, what the eff are you doing?” Alma stated in a video clip launched by the sheriff’s workplace. “‘Get away from me. Cease making an attempt to the touch me.’”
The video reveals Alma operating from him, then swinging her fists and a telephone at his face as he forces her to the ground.
As Alma continued making an attempt to combat him off and name 911, the person appeared to surrender, and she or he fled to a close-by residence, the sheriff’s workplace stated in a information launch.
Authorities took Thomas-Jones into custody inside 24 hours, in accordance with the discharge. Court docket data present he was charged with kidnapping and sexual battery by an individual older than 18.
“My recommendation — by no means surrender,” Alma stated. “So long as you don’t surrender, when you present him that you’re sturdy … that you just’re capable of combat again and survive and get out of the state of affairs, I consider it’s doable.”
Jail data present Thomas-Jones was being held with out bond. His lawyer didn’t instantly reply Thursday to a request for remark.
