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Westchase Jogger Thwarts Attacker By Clinging To Tree

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By JASON GEARY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 20, 2007

Updated: 12/22/2007 08:43 pm

Follow Up: Jogger Recants Story Of Attack

WESTCHASE - A 39-year-old woman jogging Wednesday night in Westchase was attacked and escaped being pulled into a wooded area by clinging to a tree, said Debbie Carter, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman.

The incident took place at 8:20 p.m. near Countryway Boulevard and Peabody Lane, Carter said.

The woman was jogging north on Countryway when a man grabbed her from behind and tried to pull her into a wooded area, Carter said.

The jogger clung to a tree as the attacker punched her on the head, slammed her head into the tree and choked her, Carter said.

The man ran away, and the woman, who had multiple lacerations, was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital, Carter said.

The attacker is described as a muscular white man, 25 to 30 years old, 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds. He was wearing a mask, gloves, a dark jacket with a hood and dark pants.

Anyone with information should call the sheriff's office at (813) 247- 8200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477.

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