Preparedness
Off-Duty Hero Falls In Tragic Truck Stop Confrontation
A tragic incident unfolded at a Florida truck stop early Saturday morning, resulting in the death of an off-duty corrections officer. This unfortunate event highlights the dangers faced by those who step in to protect others. The accused, Demaurea Grant, a felon with a history of violent crime, is now facing serious charges.
The U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force apprehended Grant, aged 29, at a residence in Gastonia, North Carolina, on Sunday morning. Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters announced that Grant is awaiting extradition back to Jacksonville. He is charged with murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault with a firearm, and discharging a firearm in public.
The victim, Officer Bradley McNew, was a 24-year veteran of the sheriff’s office. According to reports, a violent altercation between a male and female was taking place around 1:20 a.m. on Duval Road. Surveillance footage captured the suspect exiting a black Mustang, placing a handgun on the car’s hood, and assaulting the woman by throwing her against the vehicle and the ground.
Officer McNew, who had just completed his shift, heard the commotion and approached to assist the woman. “The suspect approached McNew, said it was a family matter, re-engaged with the female, and then pointed the gun in Officer McNew’s direction,” according to the sheriff’s office.
As the suspect and the woman returned to their vehicle, the suspect fired the handgun from the car window, fatally striking Officer McNew. He was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. At the time of the incident, McNew was in plain clothes.
The vehicle involved, a black Mustang, was identified by its North Carolina license plate, RHL-4285. Sheriff Waters confirmed that the arrest of Grant was made possible through tips from the public and the collaborative efforts of detectives, the Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, and the State Attorney’s Office.
In addition to Grant’s arrest, a female companion was also taken into custody on an unrelated warrant concerning a crime in North Carolina. The sheriff’s office has not disclosed her identity or her connection to Grant.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers and good Samaritans face when intervening in violent situations.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Preparedness
Intruder Meets Armed Homeowner: A Sobering Tale of Consequences
In the early morning hours of a rural home in Herrick, Illinois, became the scene of a fatal encounter when an intruder ignored warnings and met a tragic end. Shelby County Sheriff Brian McReynolds confirmed the incident, stating that the intruder, identified as 19-year-old Wade M. Barnes from Cowden, had previous run-ins with law enforcement.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call at 5:25 a.m. about a home invasion underway. Sheriff McReynolds noted in a press release that Barnes was known to the authorities due to past incidents, including an ongoing criminal case. Just earlier this month, Barnes faced multiple charges, including “aggravated fleeing from a police officer, possessing a firearm without a state Firearm Owner’s Identification Card, and transporting liquor by a driver under 21.”
During the home invasion, Barnes reportedly threatened the occupants. In response, one of the residents retrieved a firearm and issued a clear verbal warning for Barnes to halt.
“Barnes continued into the residence, ignoring the warning,” McReynolds stated.
As a result, shots were fired, striking Barnes. Emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene, and Barnes was transported to Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 7:16 a.m.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident, with assistance from state police, the Shelby County Coroner, and the Shelby County State’s Attorney. This tragic event marks another chapter in Barnes’ troubled history, as he had previously been charged with “aggravated fleeing and speeding 35 miles per hour over the speed limit” earlier this year.
The incident has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many commenters expressing support for the homeowner’s actions. One individual remarked, “It’s about time people start defending themselves again!!! Great job!!!”
Another comment highlighted the perceived inevitability of consequences for criminal activities: “If you are going to engage in criminal activity, you accept the consequences. I did not get shot recently; probably because I don’t do crimes. Hmmmmm.”
The sentiment was echoed by another user who quipped, “The criminals’ anthem… another one bites the dust!”
As the investigation unfolds, the community reflects on the balance between self-defense and the tragic outcomes that can arise from such confrontations.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Preparedness
Teen Shooter Dies, Homeowner Faces Charges After Party Chaos
In a recent incident in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a high school party took a tragic turn when a teenager opened fire, leading to his own death. However, the individual who shot the teen will not face charges, while the homeowner who allegedly allowed the party is now facing serious legal consequences.
Joanna Eastes, 42, was taken into custody by Fort Wayne police on charges including neglect of a dependent and furnishing property for minors to consume alcohol, both felonies. Additionally, she faces a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She is currently held at the Allen County Jail.
The incident occurred at Eastes’ residence on Manistee Drive, where a Halloween party was organized primarily for high school students. According to police, the event was publicized on social media, and attendees were encouraged to bring their own alcohol and marijuana. Security measures included pat-downs for weapons before entering the house.
However, the party soon spiraled out of control, and Eastes reportedly “retreated to her bedroom and locked the door” without notifying authorities. This decision has been a focal point in the charges against her.
The situation escalated when 17-year-old Willie Ivy III and his friends arrived, bypassing the security checks by entering through the back door. Ivy then brandished a handgun and began shooting as he moved through the home. His actions resulted in nine attendees, aged 14 to 20, being wounded. Fortunately, their injuries were not life-threatening.
One partygoer, who was also injured in the chaos, returned fire, ultimately fatally wounding Ivy. Police have stated that this individual’s actions were justified under Indiana’s self-defense laws, and he will not face criminal charges.
Ivy, who attended North Side High School, was found deceased in the yard of a nearby home. The incident has left the community grappling with the consequences of that night.
This case highlights the potential repercussions of hosting unsupervised gatherings where minors have access to alcohol and drugs. As the legal proceedings unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities homeowners bear when allowing such events to occur on their property.
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Preparedness
Concealed-Carry Hero Stops Armed Shoplifter Outside Illinois Walgreens
In the early hours of the morning, a confrontation outside a Walgreens store in Calumet City, Illinois, escalated into a fatal incident involving an alleged shoplifter and a concealed-carrying employee. The store, located in the 500 block of Torrence Avenue, became the scene of a tense encounter when employees confronted two individuals suspected of shoplifting.
The suspects, a 42-year-old male and a 48-year-old female, reportedly took items without paying. Employees managed to retrieve the merchandise from the female suspect, who then fled the scene on foot. However, the situation took a dangerous turn when the male suspect pulled out a handgun during the confrontation.
In response, a Walgreens employee, who was also a security guard and held a valid concealed-carry license, fired at the suspect. The suspect, identified as Mario Almendarez of Chicago, was hit in the chest. Authorities later found Almendarez driving a vehicle on Sibley Boulevard near Yates Avenue. He was transported to a trauma center where he succumbed to his injuries.
The incident has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many expressing support for the employee’s actions.
“He should be promoted to store manager,” one commenter remarked. Another added, “He should get a medal.”
The Calumet City Police Department has launched an investigation into the shooting and is encouraging anyone with information to reach out to them at 708-868-2500.
The event has generated a significant amount of discussion online, with nearly 200 comments on WMAQ’s Facebook post about the incident. Many users have voiced their approval of the employee’s actions, with comments such as “Another one for the good guys” and “Employee of the year!” reflecting the general sentiment.
“Awesome!!!!!!” exclaimed another user, emphasizing the need for more actions like this. However, there is a concern that Walgreens management might not support the employee’s decision, with one commenter suggesting, “Although kooky lame woke and perpetually incompetent Walgreens [management] will probably fire the guy.”
In a final note, a user succinctly captured the mood with, “F around and found out. Only way they’ll learn.”
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Don
October 28, 2024 at 2:32 pm
He tries to do the right thing and ends op dead. The scumbag female could care less about this dead guy. These animals who do these killings have to be put to death very quietly
Michael Graham
October 28, 2024 at 2:45 pm
The corrections deputy was carrying a firearm??? He didn’t see the scumbags gun on the hood of the vehicle. I would say his SA was dulled by his end of watch at that time of the day. However, the questions you asked in your little survey are not relevant in this instance. The perp HAD NO RIGHT TO BE ARMED IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!
Original Anna
October 29, 2024 at 12:57 am
I’m pretty sure the policeman had street clothes on meaning his gun was probably under his clothing as a concealed weapon. The murderer told the citizen not a policeman that it was a family affair and he and his girl went back to the car as if the argument ended. The murderer pointed his gun on the citizen and didn’t shoot it until he got in the car and shot through the window. The citizen had no time to answer an unsuspected shot through the window when it looked like the confrontation was over. I wonder if the whole deal was set up by the bad guy looking to do violence against anyone. He was confronted by a civilian he thought while he was roughing his female up, his right to do so, or it was a set up. I’ve got a feeling he due to his violence record and his public physically roughing his female around and an unexpected, dared confrontation by of all thinks a civilian, was perfect for him to enjoy another violence trip.