Police in Nanaimo, British Columbia, are searching for a suspect after a bizarre attack on a jogger. Authorities say a naked man wearing a gorilla mask grabbed and then followed a runner until she was able to find a phone, CBC News reports.The incident occurred in the afternoon while the victim was going for a run around a local lake. The suspect allegedly approached her from behind and grabbed her, but she was able to fight him off and call police. Although police say attacks such as this are rare, they still stress the importance of personal safety when going for a run.
"Run with a friend and be completely aware of your surroundings. It is quite a public trail. Take action that is appropriate and let us know. Call the police as soon as it happens," officer Sarah Mattes told the news source.
In addition to taking steps to boost one's safety, runners may also want to buy pepper spray. This small device can cause temporarily blindness and difficulty breathing in a potential assailant, allowing a victim to get to safety.
