Luckily She Had Pepper Spray.

[James]

On Sunday night, I was at Super Target on Roosevelt Boulevard. I was getting into my car at about 8 p.m. when a man attacked me and tried to force himself and me into the car. I had loaded my items, returned the cart, and upon getting into my car, I saw the reflection of the man running at the car in my side mirror. I tried to slam the door shut but it was too late.

He jumped in the car and was sitting on the drivers seat with me, pushing me, pulling my hair, and shouting at me to move over. I fought back as hard as I could - yelling, shoving him out, honking the horn, trying to key him in the eye, and luckily I had pepper spray on my keychain that I sprayed at him. The guy eventually got back out of the car and took off running. He got in a truck with another guy and they sped away. I was in a well-lit spot in the parking lot - just 3 or 4 spots from the entrance to Target. Despite my honking and yelling, no one came to help.

Thank God that I am fine - just a few bumps and bruises, and I managed to get away, but I hate the thought that somebody else would not be that lucky. This guy is still out there, and Im sure hes not the only crazy that would do something like he did. Please be careful and please be aware! Dont ever think youre being overly cautious. Had I been less aware, this guy may have accomplished what he intended to do, and I dont even want to think of the possibilities. We hear of this stuff happening, and I know I sort of had the attitude that, yes, it happens, but it wont happen to me. I learned the hard way that it can happen to anyone in any place - there are some terrible people out there. Elizabeth (LAST NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST) Jacksonville, Florida (October 2008)