CYPRESS, TX – A Texas family of taekwondo black belts thwarted an attempted sexual assault after hearing the victim’s desperate cries for help, swiftly subduing the suspect and ensuring the woman’s safety.
The An family, who own the Yong-In Tae Kwon Do studio in Cypress, responded immediately when they heard the woman’s distressing screams emanating from a nearby mobile phone store on Tuesday afternoon. Grandmaster Han An, an eighth-degree black belt and veteran of the South Korean military, led the charge, followed closely by his wife and their three children.
Upon arriving at the scene, they found 19-year-old Alex Robinson allegedly assaulting the woman, attempting to stifle her cries by covering her mouth. Without hesitation, Han An incapacitated Robinson with a series of precise taekwondo moves, effectively neutralizing the threat.
An’s son, Simon An, 20, described the swift action taken by his father, emphasizing the importance of their martial arts training in real-life situations. “You never expect to use these skills in everyday life, but when the moment arises, they’re invaluable,” Simon said.
While Han An and his son restrained Robinson, An’s wife, Hong, and their daughter, Hannah, escorted the shaken victim to the safety of their taekwondo studio. Hannah, 22, expressed the family’s priority in ensuring the woman’s well-being after the traumatic event.
Authorities arrived shortly after, finding Robinson still pinned down by the An family. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez commended the family’s bravery and discipline, noting that their quick response prevented further harm to the victim.
Robinson was subsequently arrested and charged with attempted sexual assault, unlawful detention, and assault on the instructors. The incident highlights the critical role of community vigilance and the practical application of martial arts training in protecting others.