During a Sunday afternoon while training for a marathon, Kelly Herron encountered a disturbing incident in a public park restroom. Unexpectedly, she found a man lurking in one of the toilet stalls as she dried her hands.
Recalling the harrowing experience, Kelly described how the man swiftly attacked her, attempting to commit a sexual assault. Engaged in a physical struggle on the bathroom floor, she realized she had to fight fiercely to defend herself.
Coincidentally, just a few weeks prior, Kelly had participated in a self-defense class arranged by her employer. The techniques she learned during the two-hour session became crucial in the face of danger.
Recalling the lessons learned, Kelly remembered the advice to target vulnerable spots with force. Implementing this tactic, she aggressively struck the assailant’s head and fought back despite sustaining injuries.
Ultimately, Kelly managed to overpower the attacker and escape to safety by seeking help from a passerby at Golden Gardens Park in Seattle. The passerby assisted in restraining the suspect until law enforcement arrived.
Reflecting on the intense encounter, Kelly expressed her determination and defiance towards her assailant, refusing to succumb to fear. She emphasized her resolve to protect herself at all costs, showcasing immense courage during the ordeal.
The suspect, later identified as Gary Steiner, a 40-year-old registered sex offender, faced charges of attempted second-degree rape and second-degree assault. He was detained on a $750,000 bail awaiting further legal proceedings.