LAKEWOOD, Ohio (WJW) – Vani Shukla, 24, knows the Rocky River Reservation well. It’s where she trains for races and clears her mind.
“I ran like I normally do when I go to the reservation. My friends have my location. Everyone knows when I’m running.”
But on Saturday evening, the trail she loves became the scene of a terrifying attack.
“It was around mile 17/18 when unexpectedly, I felt hands clutching my shoulders and someone began to strangle me from behind my neck. I was rendered speechless.”
Standing at 5’10, Vani recounted how a large man donned in a hoodie and gloves seized her neck with both hands near the 8 mile marker along the trail just before dusk, subsequently throwing her to the ground where she lost consciousness.
But not before putting up a fight.
“I attempted to reach for my phone to press the power button because pressing it several times would automatically dial 911, but I couldn’t breathe. His grip remained firm on me, then he flipped me over and slammed me onto the pavement. He was down there too with his hands still encircling my neck, and I blacked out.”
Upon regaining consciousness roughly three minutes later, she hurriedly sought help through the woods. Though disoriented and bleeding profusely, she managed to call 911 and then contacted a friend who was to meet her at the conclusion of her run.
Metroparks police met her nearby and she was rushed to Fairview Hospital.
“What goes through your mind at the moment is like, ‘oh, this is how people die,'” she said.
The attack is also a horrific reminder of a double-homicide that happened along this very same trail back in 2019.
The Rocky River Reservation murders of Cornell Sledge and Katherine Brown remain unsolved.
Vani, who is a middle school music teacher in the Elyria City School District, said she was not aware of the murders.
Currently under heavy medication, recuperating from a broken nose along with bruises on her face, neck, and arms, she conveys her story not only to share her experience but also to caution others.
“I want people to be aware that it’s real and it can happen and to be safe and educated,” she said.
In the midst of training for her inaugural marathon in Columbus next month, Vani expressed her determination to participate despite her injuries.
In a statement, Metroparks police confirmed the attack. They said their thoughts go out to the victim and they are committed to bringing the person or persons responsible to justice.
Cleveland Metroparks police are also increasing patrols in the area.
