Cops praise woman who resisted kidnapper

Last week’s kidnapping attempt in Lake Sherwood may prompt local residents to reexamine their own ability to protect themselves if they encounter a dangerous situation.

Dennis Elliot Shellhouse, a possibly suicidal man, tried to take a 35-year-old woman for ransom. As the kidnapper led her to his van, the woman managed to tell a neighbor to call 911 and then found an opportunity to run back into her house. The suspect fled and the woman escaped injury.

“She was gutsy and she did the right thing,” said Senior Dep. Larry Logan of the Thousand Oaks Police Department.

By diffusing the situation and escaping the kidnapper, she may have saved her own life, Logan said.

The foiled kidnapping incident on June 7 occurred just one week after Toby Whelchel killed three and injured five before committing suicide at a Simi Valley Wal-Mart.

In many instances it’s possible to avoid or escape an aggressor, said Logan, a crime prevention officer for the police department. But each situation is different, he warns.

The key to personal safety is awareness and preparation, he said.

“Whether you’re walking in a public space or you’re at home, if somebody attempts to get you in a car, don’t go,” said Logan.

If the assailant has a knife or even a gun you should still try to stay as calm as you can and talk to the person as you back away, Logan said.

“Keep backing away and at some point, just turn around, scream and run,” he said. “You may still get hurt but at least you have some control.” Roger Lacombe, an eighth-degree black belt karate instructor who owns a studio in Westlake Village, said that it’s important to be aware of what’s around you and be prepared. “This helps you to identify problems before they occur,” he said.

In many cases, crimes can also be averted simply by using the right posture, said Lacombe.

Statistics show that when someone has his or her head and shoulders down, they are more likely to be targeted by wrongdoers, but if they walk with confidence, they appear strong and harder to victimize, he said.

That’s where karate can help.

“Karate not only teaches you punches and kicks, it teaches you to stay focused and confident and helps you to think clearly in a stressful situation,” said Lacombe.

Personal safety applies to both men and women, said Logan. Although crooks usually think women are easier targets, they don’t have to be, added Logan. He directs his community safety workshops primarily towards women “because they’ll listen.” Men tend to be more nonchalant, he said.

People should be mentally prepared for potential crimes against them, although “there’s no set answer,” said Logan.

The circumstances change when a child accompanies a person. “These are things you have to think about ahead of time so you can focus if you are faced with a situation,” Logan said.

Logan offers crime prevention workshops to community organizations and businesses in the Thousand Oaks area Those interested in learning more about personal safety can also contact Lacombe, who will offer a women’s urban tactic and survival seminar from 11:30 a.m.

to 4 p.m. Sun., June 26. The workshop will show participants how to diffuse an escalating situation and demonstrate techniques on handling a dangerous situation.

Call (818) 889-7898 for more information.