Xavier Thomas-Jones has been identified as the man who allegedly attacked Nashali Alma, a woman working out in a Hillsborough County, Florida gym. The video of Alma defending herself against the sexual predator was widely circulated on social media.
In the video, Thomas-Jones was attempting to grab Alma’s waist- but she leaps away. The video further reveals how assailant Thomas-Jones pinned Alma to the floor. Subsequently, she got away and informed 911 instantly.
Who is Xavier Thomas-Jones?
Thomas-Jones is 25-years-old and is facing charges of sexual battery, false imprisonment, burglary, and kidnapping. Presently, he is in custody in the Faulkenburg Jail.
According to early reports, Thomas-Jones was living at the same Inward complex where the incident took place on January 22. There are no reports to show if he knew the victim personally. However, Thomas-Jones has allegedly accepted in custody that he wanted to have sex with Alma. Moreover, he has also accepted restraining and battering Alma at the gym.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office released the video of the incident on Wednesday. They have not revealed if Thomas-Jones had a criminal background. However, it is clear from the video that he attacked Alma while she was mid-workout with vicious intentions. He also chased her around the gym trying to pin her down.
Subsequently, suspect Thomas-Jones also fled the gym and tried to assault another woman. He allegedly targeted this second woman in her apartment because he thought she was “pretty”. The authorities caught him less than 24 hours later.
The Sheriff’s office called the attack “disgusting”. Additionally, he also expressed his gratitude to 24-year-old Alma for stepping up and fighting back.
