A resident of Florida fought off the attacker in the gym of the apartment

TAMPA, Florida — A 24-year-old woman working out at the gym of her apartment complex in Tampa, Florida, fought off an assailant who followed her around the facility Jan. 22, footage released by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office shows.

The video camera of the incident shows Nashali Alma work in the gym.

Alma is then seen opening the door for a man identified as 25-year-old Xavier Thomas Jones. Alma said she let Thomas-Jones in because she had seen him before at the complex. according to the police.

The footage then shows Thomas-Jones approaching Alma and trying to grab her. Alma can be seen struggling and being chased around the gym before being knocked to the floor.

Alma continues to fight Thomas-Jones, who eventually loosens his grip, allowing her to run.

Thomas-Jones was arrested on 23 January. Police said he faces charges of sexual harassment, false imprisonment and kidnapping.

Alma urged women to resist in such situations and contact the police immediately. According to the sheriff’s office, she said, “It’s better to contact law enforcement sooner rather than later. The sooner they get the information, the sooner they can catch this person.”

Credit: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office via Storyful.