Police Urge Joggers to Carry Pepper Spray

After police in San Diego found the body of a missing high school girl on Tuesday, March 2, the search for her killer began. Described as a ‘blitz style’ attack, officers recommend that anyone who goes jogging or walking alone should be carrying pepper spray as a defensive weapon.

The accused has also been connected with several other sexual assaults in the area as well as possibly being connected with a number of murders. Details are still being brought to light. One woman who was attacked by said offender last year, managed to get away, using defensive techniques she had learned.

In light of recent events police are encouraging all individuals, not just women, who go out jogging never to go alone. A ‘buddy system’ is recommended for anyone running in sparsely populated areas. Taking a dog, a friend or a partner is best, but if that option doesn’t exist, police suggest taking pepper spray, a mini stun gun, or attending a self defense class.

Police also point out that simply purchasing such defensive tools or taking class doesn’t necessarily mean knowing how to use them effectively during an attack. Practice and training are critical to proper usage while under the pressures of an assault.

Defensive, non-lethal, weapons are available online and at local stores; including hunting and sporting goods stores. While owning them is the first step, training, as the police explained, is the critical component for appropriate use. It takes time to get comfortable running with something in your hand, and practice to react instantaneously, removing the safety and spraying or shocking without a lot of thought involved.

The true tragedy of this young woman’s death is multiplied by the fact that the suspect has a history of sexually predatory behavior and has already spent time in prison for such crimes. He is also being questioned in the disappearance of a 14 year old girl in the neighborhood, substantiating belief that sexual predators cannot be rehabilitated.