Carmel-by-the-Sea teen uses jiu-jitsu to escape attacker, suspect still at large

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. (KION-TV)-A 13-year-old girl is being hailed for her bravery and quick thinking after she managed to escape an attacker using self-defense skills she learned at the Carmel Youth Center. The incident occurred on May 6 as the girl was walking home from school.

According to police, the suspect ambushed the girl at the intersection of Torres Street and First Avenue in Carmel, hiding between two parked cars before launching the attack. But the young girl did not panic. Instead, she fought back — using jiu-jitsu techniques she had been practicing for the past three years.

“She used her jiu-jitsu skills to fight him off,” said Carmel Police Chief Paul Tomasi. “She put him on the ground by striking his foot and was able to escape. She ran home and got to safety.”

Authorities released a composite sketch of the suspect based on the girl’s description. He is believed to be around 6 feet tall, muscular, and may have sustained an injury to his left foot or ankle during the altercation.

Local residents expressed shock and concern that such an incident could happen in their quiet coastal town.

“I think that was amazing what she did,” said Richard Cushman, a longtime Carmel resident. “It’s fantastic, but it’s horrible what happened.”

Keith Padgett, CEO of the Carmel Youth Center, praised the teen's courage and credited her training with helping her take control in a dangerous situation.

“It was a great story of survival,” Padgett said. “A young person taking charge of their life and not letting anything happen to them. It’s a sad story, but a great ending.”

Police are continuing their search for the suspect and are urging anyone with information to come forward.