Former United States Senator Martha Mall’s terrifying experience after being attacked while jogging in broad daylight in an Iowa park is the focus of our report today. Mall, a former fighter pilot, described feeling a powerful inner strength, similar to that of a warrior, as she realized that this was not going to happen to her.
According to police, the incident occurred around 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday while Mall was jogging in the park. Surveillance images show her with the alleged attacker following closely behind. Moments later, she was ambushed from behind and subjected to a bear hug while being assaulted.
However, Mall managed to fight back, throwing a water bottle at her assailant and chasing him into the nearby brush. During the pursuit, she promptly called 911 for help.
The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Dominic Henton, was arrested by the police on Friday. Mall expressed a sense of relief upon hearing the news of his arrest, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.
However, she admitted that the incident had reopened old wounds related to her past as a rape survivor in the Air Force. Nevertheless, Mall urged others not to let their traumas hold them back, emphasizing that it is possible to overcome such experiences.
With this report, I’m Zorine Sha for ABC News in Los Angeles. Stay updated with the latest breaking news by subscribing to ABC7 Chicago Eyewitness News on YouTube..
