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Woman's Message To Attackers: You Picked The Wrong Woman

AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - A Denver woman who was able to fight off a man in an attempted kidnapping attempt in Aurora says she hopes her strength will empower others.

The woman's name is Charisse, and she shared her story with CBS4 but asked not to include her last name. On Oct. 16 she was walking in a parking lot in the 1600 block of South Chambers Road after dark when a driver pulled up next to her asked for directions.

"They said 'We're lost. How do we get to the highway?' " Charisse said.

While she was talking to the driver, another man got out of the passenger seat, put a cloth over her face and tried to pull her into the car.

"He put a white towel over my face, and it was a little bit wet, and I said to myself 'Hold your breath,' " she said.

Attempted Kidnapping Suspect Car
An image of from surveillance video (credit: Aurora Police)

Instinct and adrenalyn then kicked in, and she fought back.

"As soon as I saw his face I elbowed him and turned around and was able to punch him.

Surveillance video of the situation shows Charisse punching the man and knocking him to the ground and then running up to the outside railing of a restaurant and leaping over it as the men drive off.

Charisse said she felt very strongly at that point about how much she wanted to live.

"I'm not ready. I'm not married. I need kids. I'm just not ready to go," she said.

Aurora police say the vehicle was a small white car but they don't know what the make or model. Both men were described as being white or Hispanic and between 22 and 30.

Police also said they aren't sure what might have been on the towel they put on Charisse's face.

Charisse said she has a message for any woman who might find herself in a similar situation:

"Show them 'I'm not scared of you.' Women, don't be scared. Fight, scream, holler. Let your voice be known."

Authorities said they don't believe the case is related to any other incidents. They haven't had any other reports of abduction attempts similar to this case.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective T. Williams at (303) 739-6709. Remain anonymous and can call metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-STOP (7867) or simply text the tip to: 274637 (CRIMES) then title DMCS and enter your message. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward from Crime Stoppers.

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