Woman Assaulted At Columbiana Centre

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “Yeah I feel really safe with my kids here.” Tracey Vanskiver just recently moved to Columbia and so far, she says, safety has not been an issue. “No, never, the people here compared to New York seem a lot more laid back, friendlier,” says Vanskiver. Yet on Wednesday, a place that seems safe, turned scary. Around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Columbia police say this man attacked a female while she was leaving a restroom inside the mall. The victim says the man grabbed her around the neck area and forced her to the ground. He then sexually assaulted her by forcing his hand up her skirt and grabbing her private area. But, the victim fought back. “She became very loud, she reacted. I think she did a phenomenal job,” says Columbia Police Chief, Randy Scott. The victim was able to get away by using her hands and high heels as weapons. Chief Scott says, she was right by fighting back. “As a person, if you are attacked, we expect you to in some way defend yourself,” says Chief Scott. And while this victim walked away physically unharmed, there are tips to remember while shopping. “Be aware of your surroundings, be vigilant, know what your’e doing, go with someone, always go with someone,” says Chief Scott. That’s something Tracey agrees with. “I would definitely, probably keep an eye out when I leave. Especially if it’s dark out, and it’s just me and my girls, without my husband. I would probably just make sure to look around my car when I leave,” says Vanskiver. If you have any information in the case, you are asked to call Crimestoppers.