Recently, two women are dead after going on a jog, and as a result, Phoenix police are now cautioning women in Arizona. They are encouraging female runners to be careful when hitting the trails in the future.
Sergeant Mercedes Fortune, of the Phoenix Police Department, told the KTAR News 92.3 FM that women who are frequent joggers should be vigilant about their surroundings, always being aware of what is going on around them, even during daylight hours. She cautions that women should be aware of the route they’re taking, and even let someone know the route they plan to take during their run. She also notes to be aware of vehicles around you while running, making sure to notice anything suspicious. Fortune also says that if you listen to music or audiobooks while you run, try to only keep one headphone in, or just listen from your phone.
These warnings are in the wake up the deaths of a 20-year-old Mollie Tibbetts in Iowa, and 35 year old Wendy Martinez in Washington, DC. Tibbett was found dead on August 21st, nearly a month after she went missing. She was last seen taking a jog at 7:30pm on July 18th. She was reported missing when she did not show up for work for the following day. 24 year-old Cristhian Bahena River has been charged with her murder. Another case, Martinez, was attacked Tuesday evening when she went for a run in her Logan Circle neighborhood. She was stabbed in what police have said was most likely a random attack, and she died after staggering into a restaurant after customers tried but failed to save her life. The day before Martinez was killed, Iowa State University golf star Celia Barquin Arozamena was also stabbed to death after a random attack while golfing in broad daylight in Ames, Iowa.
Fortune says that these random attacks show how important is for women to be vigilant at all times, and to be especially aware during vulnerable times, such as jogging. Running with a partner is recommended. Carrying defense weapons, she says, such as pepper spray, and taking self-defense classes are also important tools. Running with a partner is also recommended.
