A woman in Escondido, California, escaped serious injury recently by using pepper spray to turn back an attacker. The 25-year-old victim was approached by a knife-wielding assailant whom police are still searching for, the San Diego Union Tribune reports.According to investigators, the woman was walking near her apartment complex between 11 p.m. and midnight when the man approached her from behind. Authorities told the news source that she was pushed to the ground and that the man attempted to cut off her pants with his knife. However, she pulled out her pepper spray and discharged the device into the man's face.
After being hit with pepper spray, the man fled and the woman was left only with minor injuries that did not require hospitalization. Authorities are asking the general public to come forward with any information they have regarding the suspect, who is described as having a large, darkly-colored birth mark on the right side of his neck.
Individuals looking to boost their personal safety may want to buy pepper spray. However, experts recommend practicing with the device before using it so that if it ever has to be used, it will be done so effectively.
