California police are actively searching for a suspect involved in the attempted assault of a 13-year-old girl who bravely defended herself using her jiu-jitsu training.
The terrifying incident took place nearly two weeks ago in Carmel-by-the-Sea as the teen was walking home from school through a quiet neighborhood—when she suddenly found herself under attack.
According to authorities, the suspect—described as an adult male—was hiding between two parked cars when he suddenly lunged at the girl in an apparent attempt to physically assault her.
‘Halfway home, and a gentleman was standing in between two cars and he stepped out to punch her in the face,’ Sensei Michael Blackburn, the teen’s instructor at the Carmel Youth Center, where she has been attending jiu-jitsu classes for the past three years, told 6ABC.
What the attacker didn’t expect was that the girl was far from defenseless.
Drawing on techniques practiced over the course of several years, the girl reacted instinctively and with precision.
‘She punched him, she got him in a headlock, kneed him a couple of times, spun him around, threw him on the ground. She had stepped on his foot doing all this, and when she threw him on the ground, he broke his ankle,’ Blackburn said.
Her quick and decisive response stunned the assailant long enough for her to break free and run home.
Police in Carmel-by-the-Sea are actively searching for a suspect involved in the attempted assault of a 13-year-old girl who bravely defended herself using her jiu-jitsu training (Pictured: Sensei Blackburn, the girl’s teacher)
Carmel police have released a composite sketch based on witness descriptions, but as of now, the suspect has not been identified
Though shaken, she was physically unharmed and able to recount the incident to her family and law enforcement.
To protect her privacy and ensure her safety while the suspect remains at large, the girl’s identity is being withheld.
Carmel police have released a composite sketch based on witness descriptions, but as of now, the suspect has not been identified.
Investigators are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to his arrest.
While her family is understandably rattled by the close call, they are also incredibly proud of how she handled the situation.
Her instructor echoed that sentiment.
‘I told her we were proud of her, and she did exactly as she was supposed to do,’ Blackburn said. ‘You have to fight in class like you’re going to protect yourself on the street.’
The Carmel Youth Center has long taught self-defense as more than just a physical skill—it’s a mindset.
Using her skills, she punched the attacker, put him in a headlock, kneed him, spun him around, and threw him to the ground
During the struggle, she stepped on his foot, and when she threw him down, he broke his ankle
he then ran home to safety and reported the incident. Her identity is being kept private while the suspect remains at large
Blackburn emphasized that what his student demonstrated wasn’t just physical strength, but composure under pressure and the ability to take control in a high-stress moment.
Now, the girl hopes her story will serve as a powerful reminder to others—especially young women—that self-defense can be a critical life skill.
Her actions have already inspired conversations in the community about safety, awareness, and the importance of teaching kids how to protect themselves.
‘She wants this to be a reminder that knowing how to protect yourself can truly make all the difference,’ Blackburn said.
As the investigation continues, anyone who may have seen something suspicious or who recognizes the suspect from the released sketch is encouraged to contact Carmel police immediately.
