A 23-year-old Brisbane woman urges solo runners to stay vigilant after two teenagers on e-scooters assaulted her during a daytime jog along the Brisbane River.
The Shocking Broad Daylight Assault
Ruby Fraser was running across the William Jolly Bridge when the pair approached her aggressively. They tugged at her headphones, pushed her, spat on her multiple times, screamed insults, and flashed obscene gestures.
“I just got assaulted in the middle of the day by two young men who followed me on my entire run along the river on e-scooters,” Fraser shared in a social media video. “They pushed me, tried to steal my headphones off my head, spat on me multiple times and screamed at me while giving me the finger.”
The teenagers fled near Lang Parade in Auchenflower after Fraser escaped up a ramp and hid at a nearby apartment complex to call police.
Victim’s Ongoing Fear
Fraser now feels intense anxiety about jogging alone. “The thought of going on that run alone anytime soon just brings me major anxiety,” she stated.
She described the attackers coming within a meter of her, hurling verbal abuse and projectile spitting. “I’m scared to go for a run by myself ever again,” Fraser added.
Police Investigation and Suspect Descriptions
Officers responded but could not locate the mid-to-late teens. One suspect has a fair complexion, slim build, stands about 160cm tall, and wore a red hoodie with black pants. The other also has a fair complexion, proportionate build, around 180cm tall, dressed in a black windbreaker jacket and black pants.
Police urge anyone with information to contact authorities.
Public Outrage and Solidarity
Online reactions poured in with sympathy and shared experiences. “Girl, I am so sorry that happened to you. Let me know if you ever need a running buddy,” one commenter wrote.
“As a woman, you’re never truly safe. So sorry this happened to you, makes me so mad,” another added. Some runners mentioned getting a dog for protection or feeling uneasy alone.
A local reported a similar encounter the previous day: “I went walking along the river Monday at 3.15pm and also had a run-in with teens on scooters. One of them spat on me.”
