BENTONVILLE, Ark. — A community is on edge and now raising awareness for safety and self-defense after an alleged kidnapping and rape began in broad daylight in a Walmart parking lot this week.
Court documents said that 20-year-old Marco Morales has been arrested after being identified as a man sporting a ski mask and holding a gun to a stranger's head as he allegedly kidnapped her, instructing her to drive to a secondary location where he proceeded to rape her.
As of Nov. 14, Morales was still in custody at the Benton County Jail with a $500,000 bond. He'll be expected in Benton County court in January 2025.
Court documents note that the alleged victim did not know the suspect and that the crime seemingly happened at random.
With this incident in mind, local safety experts shared advice on how to stay safe as we head into the busiest shopping season.
Lt. Shannon Jenkins with the Benton County Sheriff's Office said crimes between strangers are uncommon but still possible. She's advising residents to be aware of their surroundings.
"To not be distracted, to make sure that their keys are ready and they're not having to dig for their keys within their purse. Make eye contact with people as you're walking that way. You know people know that you're seeing them," Jenkins said.
Jenkins also advised to program keys to open only one door, buy over-the-counter items like pepper spray or attention devices like whistles and horns, and listen to your gut feeling, making sure to ask for help if you feel a situation is suspicious.
"It was really horrifying because it's just a terrible situation that everybody is afraid could possibly happen," said Kaleb Plank, a head coach at Inferno Martial Arts. He said there are a few things that people can do physically to defend themselves.
"Whenever people get too close in your space, what I immediately want you to think about is soft areas that can get people away from you," Plank advised. "The first thing we always look at is the throat. If you get close to me, I'm putting fingers in your throat, I'm hitting you in the throat, I'm putting my thumb in your throat."
"The second thing is," Plank added, "If you get hands on me, or you get too close, I'm putting my hand on you, and I'm putting my thumb into that eye socket, and I'm just gonna go as deep as I possibly can. So if they get too close, throat and eyes, that's what I'm after."
Plank explained that every situation is different, and that resourcefulness is key.
"You add in the awareness, you just got to think through those situations, and you just pray that you're able to make the right decision," Plank said, adding that even when facing an armed attacker, you should run no matter what.
Inferno Martial Arts in Bentonville will be hosting a free women's self-defense class on Saturday, Nov. 23. Any donations made will go towards a local women's shelter. Plank said there will be conversations around violent and scary situations, so keep that in mind before bringing your kids along with you.
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