When Your Sense of Safety Is Taken Away
Dear friend(s) who have ever walked, hiked, or ran at Mill Creek Park (or ANYWHERE for that matter),
I write this letter to you to make you aware.
We must always be aware of our surroundings. We must always pay attention to location, who we are passing, safe places, ways out of trails.
Why? To stay SAFE.
Why am I just now writing this letter?
Because until Monday, June 4, 2018, I have always felt safe and confident running by myself no matter where I am, but especially at Mill Creek Park. Mill Creek, since discovering trails, has always been my go-to place to get away. I love the beauty and peacefulness of the trail. I love the ability to run/walk/explore...to always find something new in a place I know and love so well.
On June 4th, that safety and love was stripped from me.
Monday, early afternoon, I headed out on what I thought would be the first of a plethora of summer runs on the trail. Some runs would be solo while others would be shared with my mini-me. This particular run was a solo run.
I am going to take you through my run to help you know where I was and what happened.
I started on a perfect fall-ish summer day at the Lily Pond, dressed in my Inov8 trail shoes, compression socks, shorts, a light, long sleeve shirt, and my Crew Racing Ball Cap. I had my trusty amphipod water bottle with me along with my amphipod belt that carries my phone. I took my normal route that runs all the way to the Cinderella Bridge. From there I took the trail to the left that takes you up to Lanterman's Mill. USUALLY, I would go to the Mill and turn around; however, on this day I decided to do some 'splorin to find some new trails to take Kenz on. Once I got to the road to cross to go to the mill, I took the road down to the covered bridge. I thought about just crossing it and heading back, but I decided to take the trail system that started to the right of the covered bridge (side NOT closest to the mill). This section was brand new to me.
As I continued down the path that curved to the left, I passed an African American Man.
DESCRIPTION I GAVE TO POLICE:
Light skinned African American Male
18-22 years old
Athletic build
Red shorts, no shirt
Short, dark hair
I said hi, as I always do when I pass people. I didn't really think anything about it. I continued down the path about a tenth of a mile more, checked my watch and knew it was time to turn around. When I did, the same man I passed earlier (who was originally going in the opposite direction) was now following me, masturbating, saying extremely lewd things to me, all while having his phone out. I quickly continued on in the direction I was originally traveling, with the intent of finding the road and getting back to my car as thoughts of being attacked, raped, or killed flooded my brain. I briefly thought about taking out my phone and calling for help, but then I quickly became nervous that doing so, the perpetrator would realize who I was calling and continue to pursue me or more quickly cause me harm, thus I ran as fast as I could praying, screaming in my head for the road to be near. I did glance back a few times, to see the man was still following me. Unfortunately, I was not greeted with a road, but a creek. The trail I was on dead-ended into a creek, which means my only way out was to turn around and head back. I was petrified. Fortunately, as I tried to run as fast as I could while paying attention to my footing, and also trying to pay attention to the tree line. I kept fearing he was in the trees, waiting to pounce, because on my way back I was literally a sitting, well running, duck. I do not know why the man did not attack, but he didn't, and for that I am thankful. I hightailed it back to the mill, where I sat and balled my eyes out for a good five minutes, but then, becoming fearful again, I ran as quickly as I could back to my car...not enjoying nature, cursing every step, praising the fact I was ok, and my guardian angel was obviously with me. As I passed people, I could not bring myself to make eye contact, and often ran faster when I came across people.
Once I got home I called Mill Creek Police and reported the incident to dispatch. Within an hour an officer called me. I met with the same officer on Tuesday. The bottom line is, it sounds like the same man may be in conjunction with all incidents reported recently, including the attack a few weeks ago, based on the similarity of descriptions.
The officer repeatedly said how lucky I am to be ok and physically unharmed; however, I can tell you that this incident has definitely left me mentally scarred. When driving to meet the officer Tuesday, I got nauseous just driving to the park. When looking at people's posts from Global Running Day of people running alone, I got nervous and anxious.
The officer strongly urged me that if I am on the trails I need to be with a buddy. I asked about the safety of the route from the Lily Pond to the Mill, to which the officer said there have been some issues with the area at and around the Mill. He suggested carrying mace. He said if I am running by myself, the road is the better bet. He encouraged me to report (as soon as I feel safe) anything that ever feels off or suspicious, and I would encourage you to do the same
I am at a loss; (some) people suck, and they are trying to take away from us runners, walkers and hikers all that we find peaceful and sacred. I was beside myself that I had to actually by mace for Kenz and me to take with us, and I would highly encourage you to purchase some for yourself.
https://damselindefense.net/
I am buying a new running vest to hold my water to be able to carry mace in my hand and have my hands free.
I also understand though that I cannot live in fear. I have to go back to Mill Creek to be able to know and understand I will be ok (of course that means venturing WITH someone). I talked to my mini-me about the situation, and we decided on Friday (tomorrow) we are going to take a stroll somewhere tomorrow in Mill Creek. I don't know how it will work, or if I will have to stick to roads with her tomorrow, but I have to take that step.
Please, PLEASE, friends, stay safe, know we are not invincible. There is safety in numbers.
Please share this any and everywhere you can.
I write this letter to you to make you aware.
We must always be aware of our surroundings. We must always pay attention to location, who we are passing, safe places, ways out of trails.
Why? To stay SAFE.
Why am I just now writing this letter?
Because until Monday, June 4, 2018, I have always felt safe and confident running by myself no matter where I am, but especially at Mill Creek Park. Mill Creek, since discovering trails, has always been my go-to place to get away. I love the beauty and peacefulness of the trail. I love the ability to run/walk/explore...to always find something new in a place I know and love so well.
On June 4th, that safety and love was stripped from me.
Monday, early afternoon, I headed out on what I thought would be the first of a plethora of summer runs on the trail. Some runs would be solo while others would be shared with my mini-me. This particular run was a solo run.
I am going to take you through my run to help you know where I was and what happened.
I started on a perfect fall-ish summer day at the Lily Pond, dressed in my Inov8 trail shoes, compression socks, shorts, a light, long sleeve shirt, and my Crew Racing Ball Cap. I had my trusty amphipod water bottle with me along with my amphipod belt that carries my phone. I took my normal route that runs all the way to the Cinderella Bridge. From there I took the trail to the left that takes you up to Lanterman's Mill. USUALLY, I would go to the Mill and turn around; however, on this day I decided to do some 'splorin to find some new trails to take Kenz on. Once I got to the road to cross to go to the mill, I took the road down to the covered bridge. I thought about just crossing it and heading back, but I decided to take the trail system that started to the right of the covered bridge (side NOT closest to the mill). This section was brand new to me.
As I continued down the path that curved to the left, I passed an African American Man.
DESCRIPTION I GAVE TO POLICE:
Light skinned African American Male
18-22 years old
Athletic build
Red shorts, no shirt
Short, dark hair
I said hi, as I always do when I pass people. I didn't really think anything about it. I continued down the path about a tenth of a mile more, checked my watch and knew it was time to turn around. When I did, the same man I passed earlier (who was originally going in the opposite direction) was now following me, masturbating, saying extremely lewd things to me, all while having his phone out. I quickly continued on in the direction I was originally traveling, with the intent of finding the road and getting back to my car as thoughts of being attacked, raped, or killed flooded my brain. I briefly thought about taking out my phone and calling for help, but then I quickly became nervous that doing so, the perpetrator would realize who I was calling and continue to pursue me or more quickly cause me harm, thus I ran as fast as I could praying, screaming in my head for the road to be near. I did glance back a few times, to see the man was still following me. Unfortunately, I was not greeted with a road, but a creek. The trail I was on dead-ended into a creek, which means my only way out was to turn around and head back. I was petrified. Fortunately, as I tried to run as fast as I could while paying attention to my footing, and also trying to pay attention to the tree line. I kept fearing he was in the trees, waiting to pounce, because on my way back I was literally a sitting, well running, duck. I do not know why the man did not attack, but he didn't, and for that I am thankful. I hightailed it back to the mill, where I sat and balled my eyes out for a good five minutes, but then, becoming fearful again, I ran as quickly as I could back to my car...not enjoying nature, cursing every step, praising the fact I was ok, and my guardian angel was obviously with me. As I passed people, I could not bring myself to make eye contact, and often ran faster when I came across people.
Once I got home I called Mill Creek Police and reported the incident to dispatch. Within an hour an officer called me. I met with the same officer on Tuesday. The bottom line is, it sounds like the same man may be in conjunction with all incidents reported recently, including the attack a few weeks ago, based on the similarity of descriptions.
The officer repeatedly said how lucky I am to be ok and physically unharmed; however, I can tell you that this incident has definitely left me mentally scarred. When driving to meet the officer Tuesday, I got nauseous just driving to the park. When looking at people's posts from Global Running Day of people running alone, I got nervous and anxious.
The officer strongly urged me that if I am on the trails I need to be with a buddy. I asked about the safety of the route from the Lily Pond to the Mill, to which the officer said there have been some issues with the area at and around the Mill. He suggested carrying mace. He said if I am running by myself, the road is the better bet. He encouraged me to report (as soon as I feel safe) anything that ever feels off or suspicious, and I would encourage you to do the same
I am at a loss; (some) people suck, and they are trying to take away from us runners, walkers and hikers all that we find peaceful and sacred. I was beside myself that I had to actually by mace for Kenz and me to take with us, and I would highly encourage you to purchase some for yourself.
https://damselindefense.net/
I am buying a new running vest to hold my water to be able to carry mace in my hand and have my hands free.
I also understand though that I cannot live in fear. I have to go back to Mill Creek to be able to know and understand I will be ok (of course that means venturing WITH someone). I talked to my mini-me about the situation, and we decided on Friday (tomorrow) we are going to take a stroll somewhere tomorrow in Mill Creek. I don't know how it will work, or if I will have to stick to roads with her tomorrow, but I have to take that step.
Please, PLEASE, friends, stay safe, know we are not invincible. There is safety in numbers.
Please share this any and everywhere you can.
Hi Allison! The Youngstown steel valley women’s rugby team will be running Mill Creek Park June 12 at 6:00pm. Meet at the Suspension bridge. Join us for a jaunt and then maybe stick around for a little bit of non-contact rugby drills. It’s so much fun! We always workout together, every Tuesday and Thursday at Bailey Park. 6pm-8pm. This Mill Creek run is a specia occasion. Hope to see you out. We are a group of women of all ages, sizes, athletic levels, and lifestyles. Everyone is welcome. Ask for Reneé!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you are okay !
ReplyDeleteYes, there are terrible people everywhere who try to take away our peace. We must fight back and claim what is ours.
Stay safe !
I'd be sure to carry a good quality pepper spray. Capsaicinoids are the active heat producing compounds in pepper spray (mace). Typical law enforcement grade pepper spray (Sabre, Fox, Def-Tec) runs from 0.7% to 1.3% capsaicinoids. Bear spray runs at 2.0% and can spray a large volume of a 6’ wide fog spray up to 30’ away. With bear spray you'd probably have to wear a holster to carry the larger canister comfortably. Watch some bear spray (mace) you tube videos. It would be great if more people maced the hell out of creeps like that guy and disabled them enough so that they could get thrown in jail, or worse. Sorry for your bad experience. Good to see you warning others.
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry that you experienced such fear. Thank you for sharing your story and reporting this incident. Through your shared awareness, may the man responsible receive the help he needs. I love that you are working on overcoming this situation and allowing it to make you stronger!
ReplyDeleteIn the woods you have to expect wildlife and BEAR SPRAY is a must. This man is a predator no different than a Bear. Don't expect him or others like him to change. Running alone is begging for trouble. Personal safety is up to the person as law enforcement can't be everywhere to protect you. Their writing up a report after the fact can't undo the damage.
ReplyDeleteSo thankful that you were not hurt - so terribly sorry for the woman that was. Forty years ago I was attacked at 8am while on my way to class when I was in grad school in Cleveland. I fought, ran and screamed and luckily my attacker ran away before hurting me. Like you, I was so stunned I actually went to my class and sat there for an hour before going to report it to the school and the police. Be determined to be OK - do not let this predator take any more from you than he already has! Your peace of mind and desire to live your life fully is too precious to give up without a fight. If you think you might need some help down the road, get it - take good care of yourself dear lady. Wishing you all the best!
ReplyDeleteBeing male, I can’t fully understand being afraid of an attack because I will fight back, and I don’t think another guy would but, now days, all people have to be aware of surroundings. I learned that from my concealed carry class. Always, ALWAYS, watch where you park, spacing behind cars in front of you so you can get around it even if it means driving on the sidewalk, watch who’s following you even going in or out of buildings,etc. Sorry you had to experience this event. In mace, make sure you have a strap around the wrist so your attacker can not pull it out/knock it out of your hand.
ReplyDeleteWhen I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any means you may take away me from that service? Thanks! casino games
ReplyDelete