Many people choose to run as their main form of exercise, but this can be dangerous, especially when joggers fail to carry protective gear with them outdoors. Assailants typically target runners because they are ill-prepared for an attack.This was recently the case in Long Island when a 23-year-old woman was jogging in Old Field, according to the Long Island Press. The individual was allegedly groped by a man running in the opposite direction who had stopped her to ask a question.
"The man then ran behind her, grabbed her with one arm while groping her inappropriately with the other hand," police told the news source.
A vehicle approached the scene, which resulted in the attacker running to avoid being caught. The witness in the vehicle then proceeded to provide assistance to the jogger who had been assaulted. This incident occurred just one week after another man had been arrested for raping a jogger less than 20 miles away.
Although many joggers rarely carry protective devices with them while running, pepper spray is ideal for increasing personal safety. When used, it can temporarily cause blindness in an assailant and give a victim the chance to run away.
