VIDEO: Tampa Woman fights off attacker in gym, wins award

10 March 2023

Nashali Alma, a 24-year-old woman from Tampa, Florida, has been honored by local officials for her bravery and quick thinking after fighting off an attacker while in the gym. Alma was awarded the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office's first-ever "Strength and Courage Award" by Sheriff Chad Chronister for her heroic act, which he believes will inspire other women to take action if they are ever in a similar situation.

The terrifying incident occurred on January 22, but the video footage was only recently released to the public. It shows Alma working out in the gym at the Inwood Park Apartment Complex in Tampa when 25-year-old Xavier Thomas-Jones entered the gym. Thomas-Jones and Alma can be seen sparring for a while before he pins her to the ground.

Despite being pinned down, Alma was able to fight off her attacker and get back on her feet. She then ran to a nearby apartment, where she called 911 after defending herself for a grueling eight minutes. Meanwhile, Thomas-Jones managed to escape and tried to enter another woman's unit in the complex.

Alma's bravery and quick thinking have been recognized by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and Sheriff Chronister hopes that her actions will inspire other women to take action if they are ever in a similar situation. The "Strength and Courage Award" was created to recognize individuals who show bravery and resilience in the face of adversity.

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In a statement to the media, Sheriff Chronister said, "Ms. Alma's courage is truly inspiring and will no doubt motivate the lives of other women who may find themselves in similar circumstances. We are proud to present her with this award and honor her bravery in the face of danger."

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The incident has sparked discussions online about the importance of self-defense and personal safety, with many people praising Alma for her bravery and quick thinking. It serves as a reminder that it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to have a plan in place in case of an emergency.