Chattanooga Police Department Investigate Possible Sexual Assault At Erlanger Parking Garage

CHATTANOOGA,TN, (WDEF) Investigators say they responded to a sexual harassment call from a woman who says two  men attacked her at Erlanger’s parking garage.

The call came in just before 6pm on October 31st.

Investigators offered only vague descriptions of the attackers and no surveillance video.

Chattanooga self-defense instructors feel women are being targeted more and more.

Rick Hall, Self-defense  Instructor,"Lot of things that are not reported, lot of close calls that could have escalated into something more dangerous that are just minor that women had the ability to walk away from unfortunately it gets to the point where they can’t walk away"

He says pulling your wrist back  when attacked and taking a firm stance can go a long way if women feel intimidated and are unable to flee.

"Establish your base, reach over the top, make a fist so you don’t hurt your wrist, twisting straight up through their thumbs"

At Shooters Depot in Ringgold, management tell News 12 they
have seen an increase in women buying handgun in recent months.
 
John Martin, Shooters Depot Ringgold, GA,"Lot of women are wanting to put them in their pocket books, in their pockets, small 380’s, 38. caliber."

Martin added that they advise women buying guns for the first time to take training classes so they can use them properly if their lives are at risk.

"Don’t understand how it works, not familiar with the mechanics of it, then no it’s not, it can give you a false sense of security, i see a lot of women a lot of times they will come in  and buy a gun and have never shot one before."

An Erlanger physician who would like to remain anonymous told us that she has been sexually assaulted at another Chattanooga hospital’s parking garage and that it happens quiet frequently in the Tennessee Valley but most victims stay silent.

Erlanger Officials say they have no comment to make on the matter.