The woman's morning jog turned into a nightmare when she said good morning to a stranger in a parking lot — and he allegedly tried to kill her with his car three times, forcing her to hide behind a garbage can while on the phone with 911 dispatchers.
Jesse Allen Davis, 21, is charged with aggravated assault and hit-and-run in connection with the July 19 incident at Sedgefield Apartments in Marietta, Georgia, according to Cobb County Police.
Background
The victim was running through the apartment complex when she encountered Davis, whom she did not know. She greeted him with a simple good morning and continued on her way, according to police accounts. That's when authorities say Davis got into his vehicle and began pursuing her.
Cobb County Police Sgt. Eric Smith told Law&Crime that Davis allegedly attempted to strike the woman three separate times for no apparent reason during the incident. The victim remained on the phone with emergency dispatchers as the alleged attack unfolded.
"Yes, I'm behind a garbage can," she told dispatchers during the call, according to WSB, the local ABC affiliate.
Neighbor Lloydethan White witnessed part of the chaotic scene and said Davis nearly struck his vehicle as well. "I think it's wrong that a woman has to fear for her life and she's just trying to go about her normal day and workout," White told WSB.
The Investigation
After allegedly attempting to hit the jogger, Davis drove through the parking lot and struck another parked car, according to police. Authorities received another 911 call shortly after about the same vehicle crashing into a pole nearby.
Davis was arrested at the scene and transported to the Cobb County Jail without bond. His mugshot shows several cuts to his face, though Smith did not specify how those injuries occurred.
Police have not disclosed a motive for the alleged attack. The investigation remains ongoing.
Key Takeaways
- Jesse Allen Davis, 21, is charged with aggravated assault and hit-and-run
- The incident occurred July 19 at Sedgefield Apartments in Marietta, Cobb County
- Police say Davis allegedly tried to strike the jogger three times after she said good morning to him
- Victim hid behind garbage can while on phone with 911 dispatchers
- Davis also allegedly struck another vehicle and crashed into a pole before his arrest
- He is being held in Cobb County Jail without bond
What's Next
Davis remains in custody at the Cobb County Jail. A next court date has not yet been scheduled, according to police records. The investigation is ongoing.
The case is being handled by the Cobb County Police Department's criminal investigations division.