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Sarah Dallof reportingA woman was kidnapped while grocery shopping in the middle of the afternoon. It happened yesterday in the parking lot of a downtown store.
The victim is OK today, and the man accused of abducting her is in custody. Tonight police and self defense experts say its important to picture yourself in the woman's position.
Police believe 23-year-old Brandon Gibbons was looking for drug money when he approached a shopper at the Smith's grocery store at 500 South and 500 East in Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City Police Detective Jeff Bedard said, "As she got near her car, the suspect got near her, held a broken glass bottle to her stomach."
Gibbons then allegedly forced the woman to drive to a Sandy bank, where she withdrew money from an ATM.
Detective Bedard says, "He took the money from her, got out of the car and ran away."
Police found the suspect at the TRAX station and arrested him. He was taken to jail and booked on multiple felony charges.
"It's very stressful. Obviously, she's upset. But we're happy everything worked out. We got the bad guy. He's in jail, and our victim is fine," Detective Bedard said.
Investigators say the story serves as a warning to all Utahns. "Plan in your mind what you would do if something like this was to present itself to you," Detective Bedard says.
Utah Self Defense & Fitness goes one step further. Its students learn how to defend themselves using everyday motions.
Carlos Ferrer, with Utah Self Defense & Fitness, said, "You stomp on a can, stomp on a foot. You point at somebody, poke ‘em in the eye. You reach for a glass of water, you don't miss, take the weapon and shove it in their throat."
Among their main teachings is to gain distance, use your body to throw your attacker off and run. Ferrer says, "Running is always your best option."
Ferrer also says you should have your keys in your hand before you enter the parking lot. And if you are attacked, don't be afraid to scream and make a lot of noise. But once again, it comes down to a personal decision, follow your instincts.
