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News Specialist Sandra Yi reporting A would-be kidnapper appears in court today, while his intended victim is recognized for having the courage to fight back.
Amber Kelley and two other women who helped break up the assault were honored today at the University of Utah, where the alleged attack occurred.
The women hope their story will inspire others to fight back against crime.
"I knew if I did whatever he told me to do, then I don't know where I'd be right now," Kelley says.
Police say Amber Kelley did everything right. When she was attacked here in front of Kingsbury Hall, she fought back and screamed for help.
They say she she's a good example of how people can protect themselves.
39-year-old Adolph Grimmett appeared before a judge today. He faces charges of kidnapping and attempted theft.
Only two-and-a-half hours before his court appearance,
"And now to our real hero, Amber Kelley," says University of Utah president Bernie Machen.
The woman he allegedly attacked was honored for her bravery. On the evening of December 10, Amber Kelley fought for her life and survived.
"I suppose if anyone can learn from this, if anybody can decide to fight for themselves, then maybe it would be a heroic thing, even if one person can learn from this," Kelley says.
Amber was attacked in front of Kingsbury Hall.
When she was opened her car door, a man pushed her inside.
"At first it was, 'I can't believe this is happening to me. I can't believe this is happening.' But it was, and so then I just had to think and try to decide what to do to get out of it," Kelley says.
She decided to fight -- she began hitting and kicking her attacker.
Eventually, she managed to unlock the passenger side door. She fell out of the car and started screaming for help.
University of Utah students Joanne Shaw and Julie Willis heard Amber's cries. They ran toward her and called 911.
They say the lesson here is that no one has to be a victim.
"This man warned Amber that he would kill her if she said anything else and she went against that, and I think that if you're silent, you can be silent for the rest of your life," Willis says.
Police point out that it can be risky to fight back if you are attacked, but they say it is a good idea to be prepared to defend yourself.
The U will be offering self-defense classes in the spring and summer.
