Miami

‘I Told Myself Just Fight': Miami-Dade Attack Victim Speaks About Ordeal

The victim of a violent attack that was caught on camera is speaking out about the dangerous run-in in Miami-Dade.

The 38-year-old woman spoke with reporters Thursday and asked the community to help take her attacker off the streets before he strikes again.

"I feel chills in my body. I feel, I'm scared, I feel uncomfortable in my own skin to be honest. When I lay down at night and I close my eyes all I see is his face," she said. "I want the women out there to be conscious when they leave their house to prepare themselves when they're riding the bus, when they're coming from work, when they're opening their door, when they're shopping. I want them to be careful."

The attack around 4:30 a.m. Monday in the area of West Dixie Highway and Northeast 115th Street. Police said the armed man kidnapped the woman and tried to sexually assault her.

Footage of the incident released by police showed the man run up behind the woman, who had a bicycle. The two struggle as the woman falls to the ground and is dragged by the man.

The woman was able to fight the man off and run to safety.

"I was trying to hit him, I was screaming, I was screaming, I was dehydrated, I couldn't, my throat was dry," she said. "I knew right then I was gonna either die or he was gonna really hurt me. In my mind I just kept saying 'he's gonna rape me, kill me, and throw me over that river, he's gonna hurt me, he's gonna leave me for dead.' I told myself, 'just fight with the last part you have in you.'"

The suspect is described as a black male, about 5-foot-7, with a thin build. The night of the attack he was wearing a black T-shirt and black cargo shorts.

"I don't want anybody to be a victim," the woman said. "I think the next time he strikes, he's gonna really damage the next woman."

Anyone with information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.

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