Frank Williamson spent the morning warning joggers and neighbors about what happened to his friend. She was attacked while jogging on a San Jose trail Sunday. The victim fought back and was able to get away.
Williamson described his friend as a triathlete. He said she's bruised, but otherwise OK.
"He turned around," he told one jogger. "And grabbed her and threw her into the canal."
The attack happened in a dry canal that sits below the Coyote Alamitos Canal at the end of Snell Avenue in South San Jose.
"She's a strong woman," said Williamson. "If it was anyone else, it might have escalated further. She's a fighter, and she fought back."
Sheriff's deputies say the attacker was wearing a baggy, hooded sweatshirt.
Witnesses say he sped away in a silver or gray mini van.
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He's described as 5'6'', weighing 150 pounds.
The news shocked local joggers, who quickly made a u-turn away from the trail after hearing the news from NBC Bay Area.
"See? This is why I stay on my treadmill, " said Tanya Kerr. "I run in my garage on my treadmill."
Another jogger, Madelein Dube, said she'd never use the trail again?
"Oh no, no, no, no," said Dube. "I love it. My dog and I go up here all the time. It's our little retreat. It's a shame we can't do it any more."
Williamson said he was told a similar attack happened 4 months ago along the same trail, but the sheriff's office has not confirmed that claim.
For now, Williamson said he's taking it personal, and will continue warning potential victims on the trail.
"Absolutely personal," said Williamson. "I've been coming up on this trail since I was a kid and I never thought it would hit so close to home."
