Man in a Prius tries to kidnap woman walking alone in downtown ...

A man driving a silver Prius tried to abduct a woman walking alone downtown early Monday, but the 23-year-old fought him off and ran to safety, police reported.

[wavey]

Actually folks, the victim didn't do everything right; when the man initially tried to engage her in a conversation and then drove ahead of her and stopped she should have crossed the street or gone back in the direction she was coming from. Never cross in front of a would be attacker! She was lucky she could fight him off but let's not fool ourselves; she was LUCKY! If you're on foot the only advantage you have is your versatility of mobility but your mind has to be aware of it to take advantage of it! Also, practice memorizing license plates when you're not in danger just to used to the idea of it. Even a partial identification is better than nothing. One last thing ladies; ask yourselves right now while you're safe at home how far you would be willing to go to defend yourself. Would you be willing to gouge an eye? Tear a lip with your finger tips? It's good to reconcile yourself to these tactics before your life depends on it.

[Whats Going On]

"But it doesn't necessarily mean Santa Cruz is unsafe" - Ryan Coonerty

Ah yes, just another reason to stay away from downtown. As if we really needed one.

[Watsonville Dude]

Yeah, I would say it probably isn't related to the "gropings" that recently occurred in Santa Cruz and Watsonville, especially since that guy is still sitting in jail. Hopefully this guy will be joining him soon. Until he is...BE ALERT, LADIES!

[the mountainboy]

"woman walking alone"

[resident]

How about offering cash rewards for information leading to arrest. I would also like to see some decoys out there. This city needs to take every action possible to reverse this cycle of rapes, gangs and stabbings.
I rode past the campers on the bike trail across from Trader Joes yesterday... they have been there for months now and countless people commented on this.
I know the homeless are not responsible for the rapes and gangs however the more of that being allowed - when its not, the more problems you'll see.
Instead they come up with more laws they dont enforce, like no smoking.
Maybe they should use the proposed Tannery Digital Media Center budget for additional police force, the city to spend millions to develop a digital media center for unsuccessful artists at the subsidized rent Tannery doesnt sound very responsible right now.
Vote them all out.

[Local]

resident wrote:

How about offering cash rewards for information leading to arrest. I would also like to see some decoys out there. This city needs to take every action possible to reverse this cycle of rapes, gangs and stabbings.

Instead they come up with more laws they dont enforce, like no smoking.

I totally agree. Cash rewards, and DECOYS! I think a decoy undercover operation is perfect! They should do the same with the drug dealers on the corner by Taco Bell. And a "gang banger" decoy would help to catch gang members, too. GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR A-S-S SCPD!

[Vigilance]

Learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Ladies! My significant other used to fight professionally and was winning all competitions entered, then one day during a competition, was taken down by a petite 50 yr old 5' 2" woman who kicked Arrs. She used Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. With Jiu Jitsu it doesn't matter if you are smaller than your assailant, there are take downs and pressure holds that a little petite lady could use to fend off a line man size assailant.
Our local Dojo: http://www.claudiofrancabjj.com/

[Soylent Green]

The Pious, I mean Prius was stolen. Everyone knows that rapists dont drive Piouses, I mean Priuses.

[Enough]

Time for Santa Cruz to have a community workshop for all women, for free, to teach them how to use pepper spray successfully on these idiots. Then the workshop gives the women the spray for free. End of problem. No more kidnaps or rapes. The cost would be minimal.

[Duuude]

Prius? At least Santa Cruz has environmentally friendly crimes.

[mom]

walking alone downtown at that time of night - just not a good idea period.
good to aggressively scream "get away from me" the moment one feels even remotely threatened...don't even let person get close enough to grab you...this means walking on side of street that is in opposite direction of traffic, and yes as above poster states- run the opposite direction of vehicle - then vehicle must back up or u turn it to continue their sicko abduction attempt.
and finally, my motto: never ever get in abduction vehicle ALIVE....I would be fighting for my life, yes ripping out eyeballs, biting, and screaming "kill me here kill me now I'm not going with you" or some such thing...
license plate number if at all possible BEFORE event......

[rio fairy]

yikes!!!

[Stephan]

Hmmm - Did law enforcement check the sex offenders GPS tracking bracelet to see if any repeat offenders were in the area?

[Third Base]

Vigilance wrote:

Learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Ladies!

Our local Dojo: http://www.claudiofrancabjj.com/

Inconsiderate shill.

[LOL Omg M-O-U-S-E]

Local wrote:

<quoted text>
I totally agree. Cash rewards, and DECOYS! I think a decoy undercover operation is perfect! They should do the same with the drug dealers on the corner by Taco Bell. And a "gang banger" decoy would help to catch gang members, too. GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR A-S-S SCPD!

your in Vacaville commenting on Santa Cruz stuff?

[Draco]

A latino man driving a Prius? That's a mystery all by itself.

It probably wasn't his. He must have borrowed it or took it without permission.

Nonetheless, what a punk!

[uh Clem]

Afraid to walk the streets at night? Overwhelmed by fear? Don't know what to do? Buy my self-help tapes. Better yet, come to a seminar. Train with our former Blackwater Seal Delta CAG PJ Ninja life coach. Or just write me a check, it's efficient and saves time! My significant other did, and I was so proud! You feel safer already. It's comforting to know you found answer. Not even an eye gouge. 100% effective. Tell your friends. Children under 10 need parental or guardian permission. Si habanero espringal!

[Sam Spade _ Aptos 1944]

the mountainboy wrote:

"woman walking alone"

or "Was that a woman bar hopping alone?

[Klugscheiber]

Oops, your in screwed up California. I was going to mention a handgun. Oh well....happy and packing in Texas!!!

We don't dial 911....

[Come on]

Ban all Priuses!!!