KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Self-defense training may be at the top of your agenda after a woman was attacked at a gas station in Alcoa.

Alcoa police reported that a man named Demarious Moore opened the door of an empty car in a gas station parking lot. Moore lay on the floor of the car until the driver returned. Police said when the car owner returned, Moore grabbed her by the throat. The victim managed to get out of the car and free himself from Moore.

Lucas Lepri, owner of a West Knoxville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu business, said situations like this show how important self-defense is to people.

“You learn the skills you need to manipulate and apply them in a slightly different situation like this, but you also learn how to get home safely, and I’m grateful that she was able to do that,” said Lepri’s chief instructor Laban Propst.

Propst teaches a variety of classes, including jiu-jitsu and self-defense. One of his students, Juli Dolezal, said the classes provide a safe environment to learn how to protect yourself in the real world.

“I would advocate for empowerment and just know that I can defend myself if something happens on the street,” Dolezal said.

WVLT News showed Propst the video of the woman fleeing Moore, and her quick reaction likely helped her.

“Many people freeze in such situations, but that’s exactly what a course like this can help you with. We simulate a fight in every lesson,” said Propst.

Vickie Danner, the mother of one of Propst’s students, said the courses could also help other family members.

“He’s almost the baby of the family and I make sure he protects his older sister, even when they go shopping,” Danner said.

Moore is currently in custody and is facing assault and burglary charges. He is being held at the Blount County Correctional Facility, according to Alcoa police.

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