Off-duty Navy sailor blocks Dubai rape attempt with leg stranglehold

A female off-duty U.S. Navy sailor who was attacked by a bus driver in Dubai wrestled her would-be rapist into submission with a leg strangle hold, according to court testimony on Tuesday reported by The National.

The woman, whose identity was not disclosed, was on 24-hour shore leave on Jan. 19 and was attempting to hail a cab when a bus pulled up beside her. After boarding, the sailor became suspicious of the route the driver took.

“I noticed he did not take the main road and when I asked him he told me not to worry,” she said during court proceedings.

The driver pulled over 10 minuts later and tried to kiss her. When she refused her advances, he threatened her with a knife. The sailor then knocked the knife out of his hand and wrestled him to the ground using a leg stranglehold. She later reported the incident to her commander.

Police said the driver, identified only as 21-year-old KS from Pakistan, was drunk when he was arrested and claims not to remember what happened. He was charged with "attempted rape, threatening to kill, assault and consuming alcohol illegally," but he has only pleaded guilty to the alcohol charge.

The case has been adjourned until May 1.

[SINGAPORE (Aug. 16, 2010) Sailors man the rails of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as the ship prepares to depart Changi Naval Base in Singapore. George Washington is returning to sea to continue security and stability operations in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jared Hill/Released)]