Preparedness
Drones and SWAT Nab Armed Robbery Ring Targeting Dollar Generals
In an innovative use of technology and manpower, Florida law enforcement recently employed drones and SWAT members to apprehend four individuals connected to a series of armed robberies. The Jacksonville police force managed to nab the suspects just minutes following their most recent heist at a Dollar General store.
Jacksonville Sheriff T. K. Waters delivered a media briefing this past Tuesday, revealing that the group, comprised of three men and one woman, had reportedly stolen approximately $11,000 from various Dollar General locations across Jacksonville using firearms. A determined Sheriff Waters declared, “They won’t be doing that anymore. Not in our city.”
The law enforcement authorities noted a consistent modus operandi across the four robberies. The suspects would strike at the cusp of the stores’ closing times. One criminal would be in charge of the getaway vehicle – a white Dodge Charger – while the remaining three, armed with guns, would enter the store.
Sheriff Waters shared that they had informed other Dollar General employees about the troubling pattern, and also utilised undisclosed technology to identify potential suspects and the vehicle.
After the fourth robbery on May 1, the police managed to apprehend the four suspects following a brief chase. The pursuit ended with the discharge of a firearm, but thankfully, no injuries were reported. Upon inspecting the car, the police discovered ski masks, three guns, and stolen cash and merchandise amounting to $3,500.
The suspects, identified as Jakeithiyah Daniel (25), Jackeri Lewis (26), Nathaniel Carter (23), and Tresonda Benefield (24), were taken into custody.
The authorities also executed a search warrant at the residences of two suspects, yielding clothing and a box of latex gloves identical to those used in the previous robberies.
Although none of the personnel involved in the robberies or the subsequent arrest were physically harmed, two of the Dollar General employees engulfed in the robbery situation elected not to return to work.
Tom Hackney, a retired police officer and current legal analyst for WJXT-TV, empathetically remarked, “It is life-altering. It impacts the way you see things after that for a very long time. They’re scared to death.”
Surveillance footage from the robberies, as well as drone video from the arrests, was secured by WJXT.
Addressing the solitary shot fired during the arrest, Waters said the incident is undergoing administrative review. However, he postulated that the action could be justified, as one of the suspects reportedly aimed a firearm at an officer. He stated, “The suspects could have lost their lives, and it would have been right for the police officers to be able to use force in that case.”
A representative for Dollar General’s corporate offices briefly commented on the incidents, but did not provide further details.
The four apprehended suspects now face charges of first-degree felony armed robbery.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Emergencies don’t always come with a warning. Power outages, break-ins, severe weather, or unexpected disturbances can leave you needing to protect yourself long enough to get to safety. While the goal is never to engage or escalate, having everyday household items you can rely on for protection can give you valuable time, confidence, and control.
The following items are commonly found in most homes and can be used responsibly to create distance, draw attention, or help you escape when needed.
- A Heavy-Duty Flashlight
A solid flashlight is one of the most useful protective tools in an emergency.
A bright beam can temporarily disorient someone in a dark room, allowing you to move away or secure a door. It also helps you navigate safely during power outages, avoid hazards, and signal for help.
Keep one near your bed and another in a main living area. Choose LED models with long battery life.
- A Fire Extinguisher
Most people think of fire extinguishers only for fires, but they also offer protection in other emergencies.
A quick spray creates a cloud that can block vision and breathing for a moment, giving you a chance to escape. The extinguisher itself is also sturdy enough to hold defensively while you move away from danger.
Every home should have at least one accessible extinguisher.
- A Sturdy Walking Cane or Umbrella
A cane or strong umbrella provides reach and distance without requiring physical strength.
These items can be used to keep space between you and a threat, block movement, or help you maneuver safely toward an exit. Many people already keep one near a door or bedroom, making it easy to grab quickly.
- A Loud Personal Alarm or Whistle
Sound is a powerful protective tool.
A personal alarm or whistle can startle an intruder, alert neighbors, and draw immediate attention to your situation. It’s especially helpful if shouting isn’t an option or if you live in close quarters like an apartment or townhome.
These devices are inexpensive, simple to use, and effective.
- A Doorstop or Heavy Furniture
Creating a barrier can be more effective than any object in your hands.
A basic rubber doorstop can slow or prevent a door from opening, buying you time to call for help or escape. Heavy furniture, when used carefully, can block entry points and turn a room into a temporary safe space.
Final Reminder
Protection during emergencies is about time and distance, not confrontation.
Use everyday items only as a last resort and only to help you reach safety or get help.
Preparation doesn’t mean fear — it means being ready to act calmly when it matters most.
In any large-scale collapse scenario, medical help may be delayed or unavailable entirely. Hospitals may be overwhelmed, pharmacies closed, and emergency responders unable to reach you. In those moments, having the right medical supplies can mean the difference between a manageable injury and a life-threatening situation. A survival medical kit should focus on stopping bleeding, preventing infection, managing pain, and keeping you functional.
Here are ten critical medical supplies you should carry for survival during an apocalypse or any extreme emergency.
1. Tourniquet
Severe bleeding is one of the fastest ways people die from injuries. A proper tourniquet allows you to stop life-threatening blood loss from arms or legs within seconds. This is one of the most important items in any survival medical kit.
2. Compression Bandages
Compression bandages apply steady pressure to wounds and help control bleeding. They are especially useful for deep cuts, punctures, and traumatic injuries. They also help secure wound dressings in place when movement is unavoidable.
3. Sterile Gauze Pads
Gauze is essential for cleaning wounds, absorbing blood, and protecting injuries from dirt and bacteria. Carry multiple sizes so you can handle both small cuts and larger wounds. Clean wounds heal faster and are far less likely to become infected.
4. Antiseptic Wipes or Solution
Infections become deadly quickly when antibiotics are unavailable. Antiseptic wipes, iodine swabs, or antiseptic spray help kill bacteria before it enters the body. Cleaning a wound properly is just as important as stopping the bleeding.
5. Medical Tape
Medical tape secures bandages, gauze, and splints. It is lightweight, versatile, and far more reliable than improvised solutions. Tape can also be used to reinforce blisters and prevent minor injuries from getting worse during long travel.
6. Pain Relievers
Pain can limit movement, focus, and decision-making. Over-the-counter pain relievers help reduce inflammation, headaches, muscle pain, and fever. Staying mobile and alert during a survival situation is critical.
7. Antibiotic Ointment
Topical antibiotic ointment adds another layer of protection against infection. Even small cuts can turn serious when sanitation is poor. A small tube takes almost no space and can prevent days or weeks of complications.
8. Tweezers
Tweezers are vital for removing splinters, glass, thorns, ticks, and debris from wounds. Leaving foreign objects embedded in the skin increases infection risk and slows healing. Precision tools matter when conditions are rough.
9. Nitrile Gloves
Protecting yourself while treating injuries is essential. Gloves reduce the spread of bacteria and protect both the injured person and the caregiver. They are especially important when dealing with blood or open wounds.
10. Emergency Medical Guide
In a collapse scenario, you may need to treat injuries you have never dealt with before. A small first-aid or emergency medical guide gives step-by-step instructions when stress makes thinking difficult. Knowledge becomes as valuable as any tool you carry.
Final Thoughts
Medical preparedness is often overlooked in survival planning, yet injuries are more likely than dramatic threats. Cuts, falls, burns, and infections happen fast and worsen without care. Carrying these ten medical supplies gives you the ability to stabilize injuries, prevent infection, and stay functional when professional help is no longer available.
Canned food has been a survival staple for generations, and for good reason. When emergencies disrupt normal life, access to fresh food can disappear quickly. Power outages, storms, supply chain problems, and evacuations often leave people relying on what they already have at home. Storing canned food is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to prepare for the unexpected.
Here are five clear reasons canned food deserves a permanent place in any survival plan.
1. Long Shelf Life You Can Count On
One of the biggest advantages of canned food is how long it lasts. Most canned goods stay safe and edible for years when stored in a cool, dry place. This makes them ideal for emergencies that last longer than expected. Unlike fresh or frozen foods, canned items do not spoil quickly and do not require constant attention.
2. No Refrigeration or Electricity Needed
When the power goes out, refrigerators and freezers become useless. Canned food eliminates that risk entirely. You can store it safely at room temperature and eat it without worrying about spoilage. This makes canned food especially valuable during blackouts, winter storms, and heat waves.
3. Ready to Eat With Little or No Preparation
Many canned foods can be eaten straight from the can. Beans, vegetables, soups, meats, and fruits require no cooking, which is critical when fuel is limited or unsafe to use. Even if you cannot heat food, canned items still provide calories, hydration, and nutrients when your body needs them most.
4. Balanced Nutrition During Stressful Times
Survival is not just about calories. Your body needs protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals to stay strong and alert. Canned foods make it easy to store a balanced mix of nutrition. Beans provide protein and fiber. Canned meats supply protein and fats. Vegetables and fruits offer vitamins that help prevent fatigue and illness during prolonged emergencies.
5. Affordable and Easy to Rotate
Canned food is one of the most budget-friendly survival options available. You can build a stockpile slowly by adding a few extra cans during regular grocery trips. Because canned foods are part of everyday meals, rotating them is simple. Use the oldest cans first and replace them with new ones. This keeps your supply fresh without waste.
Final Thoughts
Storing canned food is not about fear or extreme prepping. It is about common sense. These foods last a long time, require no power, are easy to prepare, and provide dependable nutrition when normal systems fail. A small, well-chosen supply of canned food can carry you through storms, outages, and unexpected disruptions with far less stress.
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Daniel Quigley
May 23, 2024 at 11:30 am
To me using a Drone keeps the population in the area much safer. Instead of the police chashing the vehicle putting everyone else on the road at risk, this allows them to follow that vehicle keeping the public and officers safer. We hear to often about a Car Chase gone wrong were innocent victims are hit and unfortunately sometimes injured or even killed while the criminals escape. A Drone is also about 10 thousand times cheaper than a Helocopter or Plane the Police also use. Just think a Drone that cost under 1 thousand dollars kept a million dollar Helo on the ground. People who think it’s not right or a invasion of privacy aren’t looking at the big picture. Those Criminals were being looked at anyway and instead of taking say another 6 months or possibly even a few more years putting thousands more at risk this ended their Rein of Terror. Next time you see a High Speed Police Chase on TV or witness 1 in person just remember all those innocent other drivers and pedestrians that high speed Chase puts at risk. I’d personally love to see the High Speed Chase come to a end Nationwide and every PD use Drones to Chase the Criminals from the Air. Plus the huge cost savings of not chasing them from the ground or using the expensive help and or plane. As we get more technology to use the criminals will have less of a chance to get away. It’s also better than having those Big Brother Video Cameras on every street corner like NYC has.
Joe Forish
May 23, 2024 at 1:40 pm
Didn’t they look like the salt of the earth people, you know just chillin. I’m glad it happened in Florida instead of New York or Bragg would have let them loose. May be it would have been better if they did start a gun fight and we would not have to pay for locking them up etc.
Paul
May 26, 2024 at 5:06 pm
4 more pieces of crap off the streets. Unfortunately some dumb ass defender and or judge will let them off with a slap on the wrist. Then, the dumbasscrats can claim that violent crime is dropping. When anyone with a brain can clearly deduce, that it is failure to prosecute that drives their crime numbers dowm!