Nashali Alma, a 24-year-old Tampa resident, has been hailed as a hero after she successfully resisted a man in the gym of her apartment complex.
Alma’s bravery and quick thinking earned her the first-ever “Strength and Courage Award” from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Chad Chronister praised Alma for her actions and said they will serve as an inspiration for other women.
On January 22, Alma was working out in the gym at the Inwood Park Apartment Complex when she was approached by 25-year-old Xavier Thomas-Jones.
Alma had seen Thomas-Jones at the gym before and assumed he was there to work out. However, he tried to grab her wrists, and when she pushed him away, he began chasing her around the gym.
In the video footage released last month, Alma can be heard shouting at Thomas-Jones to stop.
After several moments of sparring, Thomas-Jones pinned Alma to the floor. However, she managed to get back on her feet and ran to a nearby apartment to call for help.
Thomas-Jones was arrested less than 24 hours later and charged with an array of charges
Alma’s bravery and determination have earned her widespread recognition and praise. After receiving the “Strength and Courage Award,” Alma told Fox 13 that she was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.
In the aftermath of the attack, Alma has spoken out about the importance of women learning to defend themselves. She believes that resisting and showing strength can be a powerful deterrent to creeps everywhere.
Nashali Alma’s heroic actions in fending off a creep have rightly earned her praise and recognition. Her bravery serves as a reminder that anyone can become a victime, but with the right mindset and training, we can all learn to defend ourselves.
Since 2014, Benny A. King has been fully immersed in the world of combat sports. Starting with a blog about Greco Roman wrestling, Benny’s passion for combat sports has led him to explore various disciplines.