FORT MILL, S.C. — Editor's Note: This story discusses sexual assault, which may include descriptions of violent acts. Reader discretion is advised.
A typical Monday morning run was interrupted by a stranger.
The York County Sheriff's Office said the incident happened around 5:30 Monday morning along North Sutton Road while a woman was out jogging.
"I screamed, I did not know I had those screams in me," the alleged victim said.
The woman said she could hear footsteps behind her getting closer but assumed it was another runner.
"He grabbed around my body from the back," she said. "Still at this point I don't think I'm being attacked, I think this is a runner friend and someone is really happy to see me."
Her thoughts quickly changed after being tackled and thrown to the ground. That's when she started tussling and yelling in an attempt to get away from her attacker.
"He began touching me inappropriately and I started screaming and kicking," she said.
The victim said she’s not sure what made the suspect go away, but she quickly ran into the road toward headlights, getting the attention of a driver coming down the street.
"I thank whoever that driver [was], thank you -- that night I lost innocence," she said. "Now when I hear footsteps, I'm going to run faster or go to the other side of the street."
While this incident has encouraged lots of precaution, she said it will never stop her from doing what she loves.
"I will run alone again," she said. "I am not going to be scared because he doesn't get to win."
She said it's a freedom she is hoping other women who run will not let be stolen away.
K-9s were requested to track the suspect and were able to pick up a track but could not find the man, according to deputies. The suspect is described as a white male who is approximately 5-foot-8. He was wearing dark clothing, a gray hat and possibly jeans and a mask, investigators said.
Anyone with information on the suspect's whereabouts is asked to contact the York County Sheriff's Office at 803-628-3059.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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