AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Police are asking for public help locating a suspect connected to an unsuccessful kidnapping attempt in southwest Austin Friday morning.

APD says someone tried to abduct a jogger just after 5 a.m. Friday near Escarpment Boulevard and Hillside Terrace Drive. This is near Mills Elementary School.

APD says the jogger, a woman, was running south down the road when a dark-colored car pulled up beside her. The driver, a man, started talking to the woman, then tried to pull her into the car.

The woman fought off the man, and the driver left when another vehicle pulled up, APD says.

“She put up a fight,” APD Sgt. David Daniels said during a press conference. “This young lady did a great job.”

Sgt. Daniels said he did not know the extent of the victim’s injuries, if any, but he believes she is OK.

APD describes the driver as:

Middle eastern descent

5 feet, 7 inches tall

Black hair, longer on top and a little shorter on the sides

Mid 40s-50s in age

Spoke with an accent

Below is a sketch of the suspect police released Friday night.

Composite sketch of suspect in failed kidnapping attempt. (Photo courtesy APD)

The car was last seen going westbound on U.S. Highway 290 shortly after the incident.

Sgt. Daniels said another car tried to follow the suspect when he got into his car to take off, but the suspect started driving erratically, so the witness had to stop chasing.

Many neighbors said Escarpment Blvd. is well lit even at 5 a.m.

Yasmine Anderson, who lives nearby and also runs regularly said, “It was a sinking feeling because as a runner, and as a female runner, anytime I head out on a run in the dark alone, I think is today the day that I’m going to have to fight somebody off? Is today the day that I’m getting attacked?”

She said the only reason why she wasn’t running this Friday was because she’s resting before the Houston Marathon.

“I take that route,” Anderson said. “I take that route because it’s escarpment and it’s well lit. There are drivers, and there are other runners.”

She said she runs with a group twice a week. When she’s by herself, she carries a light, a stun gun and an alarm.

“You should protect yourself and bring things with you to try to distract someone that could attack you,” she explained. “It’s not strong enough to knock them down, but it’s enough to distract them while you get away.”

Other south Austin running group members told KXAN people can check on Austin Runners Club’s website and find running groups that work for their schedule.

Rise and Run South Austin meets twice a week and runs at 5 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Its members said someone always waits for the last person to arrive, making sure everyone makes it back to the starting point safely.

Below is a letter from Mills Elementary principal Lalla Beachum to parents about the incident:

Letter from Mills Elementary School Principal

Mountain Lion Families,



You may be aware of police activity on Escarpment at the back of the school. Here is a report of the incident. We have been in contact with AISD Police and APD. They do not anticipate any threat to students at this time. Staff is aware and on heightened alert to any suspicious activity on and around the campus.



https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/attempted-abduction-of-female-jogger-in-southwest-austin/



The safety of our students and staff are always our highest priority. This concern also extends to our families so please stay alert in your daily routine!



Sincerely,



Lalla Beachum

Scene from an attemped abduction on Escarpment Blvd and Hillside Terrace Drive where a woman fought off an attacker while on a jog Friday morning. KXAN photo

Scene from an attemped abduction on Escarpment Blvd and Hillside Terrace Drive where a woman fought off an attacker while on a jog Friday morning. KXAN photo

Scene from an attemped abduction on Escarpment Blvd and Hillside Terrace Drive where a woman fought off an attacker while on a jog Friday morning. KXAN photo

An Austin Police SUV and Crime Scene van remain parked near where a woman says a driver tried to abduct her on Escarpment Road on Jan. 10, 2020. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bailey)

Sgt. Daniels said if anybody has any information about the case, or could potentially provide surveillance video, they should call 512-974-5250.