Local MMA gym gives self-defense tips for women as CPD continues search for suspected ‘prowler’

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department is looking for any information regarding a suspected prowler, who is believed to be linked to five attacks against women in the southern part of Columbia.

Local women are expressing concerns about the ongoing situation.

Alexis McNamara lives in the area and said she and her friends have been on high alert after hearing about it.

"It's a scary situation to be in," she said. "Especially when you're young and you're growing up and your parents tell you to always look out for stranger danger."

The Columbia Police Department released a video on social media Thursday afternoon of a woman being chased.

CPD said in a tweet that it has not confirmed whether or not that video is related to its investigation of a suspected prowler who has been allegedly targeting women ages 20-30 in south Columbia.

Robert Hulett owns Hulett House MMA in Columbia, and he said women should use their voice, create distance and run away if they find themselves in an unsafe situation.

"The first thing is pay attention to your surroundings, and use your voice," Hulett said. "A combination of some kind of self-defense training, arming yourself, is probably the best thing you can do."

Hulette said aiming for the ear, throat, or kicking in the stomach or growing area can create distance between the attacker and women in order to give them enough space to run and yell for help.