KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – The Knoxville Police Department reports they’ve arrested and charged 22-year-old Kapryce Landers for sexual battery, attempted kidnapping, possession of drug paraphernalia and simple possession of a schedule II drug.

KPD says that on Friday, June 19 at around 6:20 p.m., officers responded to the Third Creek Greenway on Sutherland Avenue for an alleged assault.

Officers spoke with a female victim who claimed that while she was running, she was approached by Landers and he assaulted her.

After a struggle, she was able to flee the scene towards West High School and made contact with a witness, who then called 911.

A second female approached officers and claimed that Landers had been chasing her earlier that same day, but she was able to evade him and find another runner on the greenway and he ran past her.

Officers were able to locate and arrest Landers as he was walking on Sutherland Avenue toward Hollywood Road.

“It is believed that Landers was possibly involved in additional and similar recent incidents on the Third Creek Greenway. Further charges could be forthcoming as the Violent Crimes Unit continues its investigation into those allegations and events.”

KPD

Kristy Altman, a member of the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon organizing committee, shared with us some of the precautions she takes to stay safe on a run.

“Before I go anywhere, I make sure that my husband knows exactly where I’m going and how far I’m planning to run,” she said. “A few other things that I do is I make sure that if I’m going to wear headphones I only wear one, and I usually wear it in the right ear that way I can hear anyone coming up on my left side, and I don’t play the music too loud. I also make sure that when I’m running, I am looking up and around and being alert. You don’t want to be looking at the ground or looking around or away from yourself, you want to be able to look people in the eye and let them know that you’re paying attention.”

Altman also says she runs during daylight hours and takes a friend with her when she can.

“Don’t be discouraged when you see this story, just make sure that you’re doing things to feel safe and to let others know that you feel safe,” she said.

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