'I'm still traumatized': Woman describes fighting off attacker at bus stop

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Kelvin Jones, the suspect wanted in an attempted kidnapping Sunday in south Charlotte, has been arrested and is in jail.

Security officers recognized Jones from photos released by CMPD Tuesday and arrested him at the Tom Hunter light rail station.

On Wednesday, the victim -- who does not want to be identified -- shared her story exclusively with Channel 9.

“I'm still a little traumatized,” the woman said. “When I lay down in my bed, my heart races because I'm in the dark, and it's a scary sight, because it happened in the dark, you know?"

She was attacked at a bus stop.

"Physically, I’m here, but mentally my mind is racing," she said.

She was headed home from work Sunday night and had just gotten off a city bus.

[Suspect arrested in attempted kidnapping at south Charlotte bus stop]

"As I was waiting for my Uber, my attacker came up behind me, and he put me in like a chokehold and, like, forced me to walk with him,” she said. “He was, like, don't look at me, I got a knife."

She fought back as he dragged her.

“I knew something had to be done in order for me to live another day, and to live for my child,” the woman said. “I (pulled) my Taser out, and I Tased him, and it all happened so quick.”

She said she fell down and continued to defend herself until her assailant ran away.

“After I Tased him, I guess that's what agitated him, and that's when he started going crazy,” she said. “I just saw his arms moving.”

She had to get 22 stitches – 10 in her face, six in her neck, six in her neck and six more in her wrist.

“I'm honestly, I'm grateful, I'm blessed,” she said.

Jones spent over 11 years behind bars and was released in September. He was convicted of robbery with a dangerous weapon and sexual battery.

On Wednesday, police addressed the importance of his quick arrest.

"We think that the potential for future victimization was extremely high," CMPD Lt. Brad Koch said.

The woman is moving forward and is focused on raising her daughter, her career and warning other women.

"I really recommend that other women go out there and learn how to fight back,” she said. "Understand that you need to watch your back at all times because anything can happen to you."

She now refuses to ride the light rail, buses or hail an Uber. She is trying to save up money for a vehicle.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for the woman in hopes of raising enough money to buy her a vehicle.

Cox Media Group