University of North Dakota Student, Dru Sjodin is still missing two-and-a-half weeks after her abduction, Nov. 22. Sjodin was last seen leaving her Victoria’s Secret job at a Grand Forks mall. Police were notified by her roommate after she didn’t show up for her second job, working at a bar. Alfonso Rodriguez Jr., 50, a convicted sex offender has been arrested in Sjodin’s disappearance. Previously, Rodriguez served 23 years in jail for raping two women and attempting to rape a third. He was classified as a level 3 sex offender, most likely to reoffend. Stearns County Chief Deputy Bruce Bechtold encourages residents to stay safe. Bechtold said that a major factor of protecting yourself is being aware of surroundings. Sjodin was talking on her cell phone as she left the mall. This distraction may have been a factor in her abduction. “Awareness is a major thing,” Bechtold said. “Don’t get absorbed into a conversation, because you aren’t as aware.” Bechtold also said a cell phone could be a friend or enemy in dangerous situations. If used with awareness, a cell phone could be used to call the police. Master Spencer Brandt teaches Tae Kwon Do and self-defense at Bemidji State University. He said that most predators look for common characteristics in their victims. “They are looking for someone who looks the most vulnerable. Someone who looks the easiest to get.” As in the animal kingdom, Brandt said, the predator is going to prey on an easy victim, one who is least likely to fight back. Because of this, he encourages walking with confidence and a high self-esteem. He added that it is good not to be predictable, vary your route from work, your common practices and your routines. Bechtold listed general safety precautions that people may take for granted, like parking in a well-lit area, having your keys out when walking to your car, and calling for an escort. “It is also good to walk in groups,” Bechtold said. On the run Both men said it was best to cause a scene if approached by an attacker. Fight, kick, scream, yell and get away. “In the first 1-2 minutes, your survival rate is going to be the highest,” Brandt said. “You have that adrenaline jump that you only get once. You need to use that at the moment.” He continued, “Don’t trust your attacker. If they say they have a gun or knife, don’t trust this.” “It is better to make a scene and cause a lot of ruckus.” Bechtold added, “Attract attention to yourself.” In the event of an attack, Brandt said, be observant, look into the predators eyes, find identifiable characteristics-hair, race, weight, height- and visually record features of his or her car. Learning protective skills In self-defense classes, students are taught how to protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations. Students learn techniques to out power a predator from front, back, and surprise attack (s). “We draw more to realism,” Brandt said. “The more stress we can put on someone in a safe environment the better reaction they will have in a real situation.” Students are also taught to visualize different situations and the way they would react. “The number one prevention is to be prepared ahead of time,” Brandt said. Jenny Janvrin was enrolled in Brandt’s class, spring 2001. She said the class should be a requirement for all children leaving home for the first time. “Before the class, I walked around campus with my head down and hoped no one noticed me,” Janvrin said. “After the class, I walked with my head up and looked around. I learned how to walk more assertively and how to carry myself confidently.” Janvrin also said that the class taught her about her personal strength. “I knew that I could get away from a larger person with a few simple moves. I knew that I could kick someone hard enough to send them running in a different direction.” Brandt explained that self-defense classes are for anyone – children, adults, the elderly – and should be taken to offer protection. Janvrin echoed this sentiment as she looked back on the class. “I learned that everyone can defend themselves and everyone needs to take the initiative to learn how to. Even if someone is in a cast or in a wheelchair, they need to learn how to not be a victim.” People who find themselves in situations similar to Sjodin’s may be better prepared by taking a self-defense class. Brandt said, “Our human rights say we have the right to protect ourselves. [These classes] make sure we have a sense of safety and freedom.” The search continues Upon publication, Tuesday, Dec. 9, the Associated Press reported that hope was fading in finding Sjodin alive, after one of her shoes was located by the Red Lake River. Investigators also confirmed that blood matching Sjodin’s DNA was found in Rodriquez’s car and trunk. Authorities also said that the trunk had been excessively cleaned before Rodriquez’s arrest. Her family remains hopeful. It was reported they went out and looked for Sjodin after hearing the latest update. Rodriquez remains in jail with bail set at $5 million. “The number one prevention is to be prepared ahead of time, don’t become a statistic,” Brandt said. St. Cloud Center of Tae Kwon Do offers self-defense classes.The center can be reached at (320) 251-4900 and is located on the corner of 21st South and Division, next to McDonald’s.
