The Story

Getting outside and exercising is great for your physical and mental health. Jogging along a public path during the day seems like a safe way to get exercise. This is normally the case but, unfortunately, for one woman it was anything but safe.

Woman jogger sexually assaulted in attack near downtown Carrboro

“Police are investigating a reported sexual assault Wednesday after a woman said a man threw her to the ground on Jones Ferry Road just after midnight. The incident happened in the 600 block just east of downtown around 12:05 a.m., the Carrboro Police Department stated in a news release.

The woman was jogging near Willow Creek Shopping Center, the release stated, when a man approached her from behind, threw her to the ground, and began assaulting her, the release stated. Someone nearby heard the woman screaming and called 911. The suspect ran toward Poplar Place Apartments on Jones Ferry Road, the release continued. The woman was taken to UNC Hospitals for treatment and released. 

The suspect was described as a man of medium build, about 6 feet tall, possibly in his mid-30s, Black with a dark complexion, and clean-shaven. The release did not provide a description of his clothing or hairstyle. This is the first report of a sexual assault or an attempted sexual assault in Carrboro this year, Capt. Anthony Westbrook II said by email. Police are not currently releasing other information, including the woman’s age and whether she is a UNC student, he said.”

Orignially reproted by The Herald Sun

What Can We Learn?

If you have been keeping up with these articles you know I always suggest having a way to protect yourself. If you do not carry a firearm, pepper gel, knife, batons, and other hand-held self-defense tools are really a must. Perhaps this woman has no choice but to jog at midnight, but doing so during the daylight hours would clearly be safer. It is also important that you are aware of your surroundings including keeping a keen sense of 360 degrees around you both visually and audibly. This means avoiding the use of headphones. However, what I wanted to point out in regards to this article is this line:

“This is the first report of a sexual assault or an attempted sexual assault in Carrboro this year.”

No matter where you are or how safe the area is, there is a chance that you could be a victim of assault. The female jogger likely felt like there was little reason to worry and probably felt very safe. Though we all want to feel safe in our neighborhoods, we also need to be realistic and ready for a confrontation at any time.