JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In the wake of the attacks in Gainesville, we called Larry Shealy, a local self- defense instructor, to show our viewers what they can do to get away from someone who grabs them from behind.
Shealy demonstrated the technique to escape when someone sneaks up from behind. He also showed us what to do if a woman is ever thrown to the ground.
Four young women have been grabbed from behind and thrown to the ground in the last nine days on or near the University of Florida campus. The man police are looking for is described as white, at least 6 feet tall, weighing at least 285 pounds, with a short beard.
Though one of victims does not remember seeing a beard on the man who attacker her, the descriptions are very similar considering all of the women were grabbed from behind and did not get a good look at their attacker.
Three of the four women are students. During two of the attacks, the man tried to rip off the woman's clothing, leading police to believe he is trying to rape the women.
Shealy's next class is Sept. 27 at Jacksonville Braziliam Jiu-Jitsu. It's located at 1475 Atlantic Blvd. in Neptune Beach. The free class he offers is called Girls on Guard and is from noon to 2 p.m.
Shealy teaches several escape techniques and coaches students about what to do from the moment someone walks up to them and threatens them. For more information, click here.
Donations will be accepted during the class. They will be given to Frank Forte's daughter, Elizabeth, who is battling cancer. To learn more about her, go to www.princesselizabethann.blogspot.com.