Walking your dog should be the most ordinary part of your day
Fresh air. A few minutes of peace. Your usual route through a familiar neighborhood
For women across the country, that simple routine is becoming anything but predictable.
In Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and cities nationwide, attacks on solo pedestrians—particularly women walking dogs have surged in recent years. According to FBI crime statistics, aggravated assaults in public spaces increased 12% from 2019 to 2023, with the majority occurring during daylight hours in familiar neighborhoods.
These aren’t dark alley scenarios. They’re happening at 9 AM on a Tuesday. On the route you’ve walked a hundred times. In neighborhoods where “things like that don’t happen.”
Until they do
The Attack That Changed Everything
On the morning of November 8, 2025, Terra was doing something millions of people do every day, walking her dog near the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown L.A. Within seconds, her routine turned into a nightmare.
A stranger approached without warning. Before she could react, he grabbed her by the neck, pushed her against a building, and sexually assaulted her. The entire attack was captured on surveillance video and is now under investigation by the LAPD as sexual battery.
Terra screamed for help. She tried to fight back. But her attacker was, in her words, “extremely strong.” He tackled her to the ground, and only the intervention of a brave passerby saved her from further harm.
The suspect walked away as if nothing happened. By the time police arrived, he was gone. According to LAPD, he’s believed to be unhoused and he’s still on the streets.
I Always Carry Mace, I Have a Stun Gun… You Just Have to Be Prepared
In the weeks following the attack, Terra’s entire life changed. She told KTLA:
Now I am no longer outside by myself when there’s nobody around. I always carry mace, I have a stun gun… you just have to be prepared. I’m constantly looking over my shoulder.
Terra is now armed with multiple self-defense tools. But here’s the critical problem: mace and stun guns require close contact the exact situation that makes attacks so dangerous.
Her attacker was already on top of her before she had time to react. This is the reality of most violent crimes: they happen fast, they happen close, and traditional self-defense tools often fail when you need them most.
Why Close-Range Self-Defense Often Fails in Real Attacks
Sudden assaults like Terra’s expose the limitations of contact-based protection:
The Problem with Mace:
- Requires 3-6 feet proximity (you’re already in the danger zone
- Can blow back in your face in wind
- Attacker may power through the pain if enraged or under the influence
The Problem with Mace:
- Requires direct contact with the attacker
- You must be close enough to touch them
- Physical strength and coordination matter
- Stress impairs fine motor skills
The Reality:
- Attackers rely on surprise and speed
- Reaction time is measured in seconds
- Physical confrontation favors the aggressor
- Adrenaline affects judgment and coordination
Distance changes everything.
How Byrna Less Lethal Protection Creates Distance and Control
A Byrna less-lethal launcher allows you to respond from up to 60 feet away creating critical space before a threat gets close.
If Terra Had Carried a Byrna:
- Distance-Based Deterrence – Stop threats before physical contact
- Immediate Impact – Chemical irritant projectiles incapacitate on contact
- No Physical Strength Required – Point and shoot, no hand-to-hand combat
- Time to Escape – Create space to run or call for help
- Non-Lethal Response – Effective protection without permanent consequences
The difference between reacting during an attack versus preventing it entirely.
Personal Protection without Deadly Consequences
Many people want effective self-defense but are uncomfortable with the legal, moral, and permanent consequences of lethal force.
Byrna fills the critical gap between passive deterrents and firearms:
- More effective than mace or pepper spray (60 ft range vs 6-10 ft)
- Safer than firearms (no risk of fatal mistakes)
- Legal in most jurisdictions (check local laws)
- No background check required in most states
- Immediate stopping power (chemical irritant + kinetic impact)
For people walking dogs, jogging, commuting alone, or living in urban areas, Byrna offers confidence without irreversible risk.
The Threat Remains Real
According to LAPD, Terra’s attacker is still out there. He could strike again. And Terra isn’t the first victim of violent crime during routine activities in Los Angeles.
This isn’t just Terra’s story. It’s a warning.
Random attacks happen during normal daily routines:
- Walking pets
- Jogging or exercising outdoors
- Commuting to work
- Running errands alone
The reality is that many attackers target people who appear vulnerable or distracted—and they count on surprise to overwhelm their victims.
Being Prepared Means Making Responsible Choices
Terra told reporters: “I hope it never happens to anyone, but you have to be aware and prepared.”
Being prepared doesn’t mean living in fear. It means acknowledging reality and choosing tools that give you:
- Control under stress
- Proportional response options
- Reduced risk of fatal mistakes
- Protection without permanent consequences
Stories like Terra’s are painful reminders that preparedness saves lives—including innocent ones.
Protect Yourself with Byrna Less Lethal Launchers from PDM Self Defense
At PDM Self Defense, we specialize in helping people take control of their personal safety with practical, responsible protection solutions.
Featured Byrna Products:
Byrna SD Launcher
Our most popular less-lethal launcher. Effective up to 60 feet with CO2-powered chemical irritant projectiles. Perfect for everyday carry and home defense.
Byrna Banshee Personal Safety Alarm
130dB alarm that draws attention and deters attackers. Great as a first line of defense or backup to your Byrna launcher
Browse All Less Lethal Weapons
Explore our complete selection of Byrna launchers, ammunition, accessories, and self-defense tools.
Why Choose PDM Self Defense?
- Expert Guidance – We help you choose the right protection for your lifestyle
- Quality Products – Authorized dealer of Byrna Technologies
- Fast Shipping – Get protected quickly
- Customer Support – We’re here to answer your questions
Sources:
Woman sexually assaulted while walking her dog in downtown L.A.