Authorities in California are still searching for a man accused of attempting to assault a 13-year-old girl who fought him off with her jiu-jitsu training.
Girl uses jiu-jitsu training to thwart adult attacker
Earlier this month in Carmel-by-the-Sea, the young martial artist was able to fend off the alleged attacker, ultimately breaking his ankle during the confrontation, according to her instructor.
The encounter occurred on May 6 while the girl was making her way home from school on foot, when an attacker lunged at her.
Michael Blackburn, who teaches jiu-jitsu training at the Carmel Youth Center, detailed what happened during an interview with KSBW-TV.
“Halfway home, a gentleman was standing in between two cars, and he stepped out to punch her in the face,” Blackburn said.
In response to the sudden attack, the girl relied on three years of martial arts instruction to defend herself.
Blackburn described how she responded physically, using skills she had practiced regularly.
“She punched him, she wrapped it, got him in a headlock, kneed him a couple of times, spun him around, threw him on the ground,” Blackburn stated.
“And she had stepped on his foot doing all this, and when she threw him to the ground, she broke his ankle.”
After successfully fighting him off with her jiu-jitsu training, the girl fled and made it back home safely. The man, however, managed to escape before law enforcement arrived.
Police still looking for suspect young girl fought off with jiu-jitsu training
The Carmel Police Department has launched an investigation into the case. Due to the ongoing search for the suspect, the identity of the victim is not being made public to ensure her safety.
Commander Todd Trayer of the Carmel Police confirmed that officers have obtained a composite sketch of the individual believed to be responsible.
“The person was acting unusual, like potentially under the influence of something or dealing with some other personal issues,” Trayer said.
Blackburn, who has worked closely with the girl throughout her training, said he was relieved that she had the presence of mind to use her skills when it mattered most.
“I told her we were proud of her, and she did exactly what she was supposed to do,” Blackburn said.
“You have to fight in class like you’re going to protect yourself on the street.”
Blackburn said his student hopes that the incident reminds the public about the critical importance of self-defense skills.
“She wants this to be a reminder that knowing how to protect yourself can truly make all the difference,” he remarked.
Brave teen martial artist rescues child
In an unrelated incident on the East Coast, a 14-year-old girl in Burlington, a Delaware River town, sprang into action when she noticed a child in danger of drowning.
The teen, identified as Nylah Bennett, was at a basketball court close to the Burlington Public Boat Ramp on Friday when she heard faint cries coming from the water.
After realizing that a nine-year-old boy had fallen into the river, Bennett rushed to the shoreline and saw only the boy’s hands above the water.
“The boy had slipped off at the end of the ramp and all I could see was his hands out of the water,” Bennett told ABC.
“That’s when I knew he was drowning. I don’t know what was going through my head I just jumped in the water.”
Still wearing her clothes, Bennett entered the chilly 57-degree water and held onto the boy until help arrived.
A nearby boater ultimately pulled both of them from the river, according to authorities.
“I was just telling him to calm down and that it’s all right because I’m here now,” Bennett recalled.
Her mother, Andrea Milos, spoke to reporters about her daughter’s actions and said she was thankful that her child had been given swimming lessons from an early age.
“I’m happy to know both kids came home safe,” Milos said. “Not just her seeing something sad and a tragic Memorial Day weekend.”
The Burlington Police Department issued a statement recognizing the teenager’s quick thinking and courage.
Officials also acknowledged the assistance of the boater who helped complete the rescue.
Police credited Bennett with showing no hesitation in risking her own safety to rescue another child.
As it turns out, Bennett has been undergoing preparation for a black belt test at a local karate school.
Following the incident, she indicated that she may pursue additional training that could allow her to assist in future emergencies.
Bennett said that she hopes to learn CPR and work as a lifeguard next summer in order to continue helping others.
Thank God these girls, women, live among us.