SAN ANTONIO – Attacks can come suddenly, and to Pete Hardy there's only one option — fight back.
"They've already found you, and they intend to do bodily harm to you," said the owner and chief instructor at STW Krav Maga. "And the only way out is to fight for your life."
Hardy's advice comes as police hunt for a man they suspect in an unknown number of sexual assaults and attempted sexual assaults in the Medical Center area, particularly around the areas of Huebner Road, Eckert Road and Babcock Road. On Thursday, they released a sketch and a video of their suspect running across a parking lot.
He's described as a young black man with medium tone, 5 foot 8 inches to 5 foot 9 inches tall, with close-cut hair and high cheek bones. A Crime Stoppers release describes him as wearing both dark and light hoodies, having a green or black bandana around his neck and possibly riding a BMX bike.
With the man still on the loose, women in the Medical Center told KSAT they are using caution and staying vigilant.
It's a good choice. Above all, Hardy recommends using situational awareness to avoid an attack in the first place.
He suggests driving around the parking lot before parking to see if there are people in the cars or standing around. If there are, he said, drive off and call 911.
Similarly, he said if someone you don't know is at your door, it doesn't make sense to open it.
"Do not open that door," Hardy said. "Call 911 and tell them to come check it out. That's their job. That's what they get paid for."
SAPD spokesman Sgt. Jesse Salame confirmed earlier this week that many of the attacks have been occurring at apartment complexes. He also advised viewers to be aware of their surroundings.
"They need to be paying attention when they're going in and out of their apartment or going out of their residence," Salame said. "And most of all, do not open your door for strangers."
If an attack does happen, Hardy, whose gym offers self-defense training and seminars, recommends being prepared through training. Even if someone doesn't have self-defense training, he said they should fight and try to get away.
"Bite. Scratch. Dig. Poke," he said. "Pick up weapons. Pick up bottles, frying pans, knives, forks, anything you can use to defend yourself."
While there are self-defense weapons available, such as pepper spray and stun guns, Hardy doesn't believe in relying on them. Pepper spray can get in the victim's eyes, too, and there isn't always enough time to get them out in an attack.
"I'm telling you straight out. It's not 'probably' you're going to have to fight. You're absolutely, positively going to fight," Hardy said. "And there's plenty of these bad guys who can get sprayed in the face and it doesn't affect them whatsoever. Not even a little bit."
When contacted for this story, San Antonio Police provided a list of additional safety tips:
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Avoid parking in isolated areas especially at night. If possible, park your car under a lamppost.
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Be very alert when getting into your car in a deserted area.
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Make sure you are not being followed. Carry your keys in your hand so you do not need to stand and fumble for them.
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As you walk towards your car, check to see that no one is hiding underneath the car or in the back seat.
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When you arrive home, always take out your keys before getting out of the car.
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When parking try to park close to a walkway or building entrance, if possible. Always avoid parking far away from others.
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Avoid parking in spaces that are hidden from other cars.
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Be aware of your surroundings and don't allow yourself to be distracted (children, packages, cell phone.
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Avoid walking alone at night.
Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest. You can contact Crime Stoppers at 210-224-7867.