Merciless thugs beat up 66-year-old man, knocking him out, after they stuck gun in his face and demanded 'everything': Report



Baltimore news station WBFF-TV spoke to a 66-year-old man who said a group of masked youths — as many as five — brutally attacked and robbed him at gunpoint Thursday night while he was on his way home.

The disturbing beat-down also was caught on surveillance video, the station said.

'There is no accountability. They keep letting them go and letting them go and this is what you’re going to have. You guys really start thinking about changing some laws. And you better do it fast before it hits your house next.'

Bernie — who didn't want his last name shared publicly — told the station, “I actually didn’t hear anything. They were very, very quiet. Almost like they snuck up on me. But I could feel their presence. They didn’t say anything, but when I saw them, they had ski masks on."

He added to WBFF, "In my mind, I knew what was coming next, so I started to run, and they started to chase me. As I was running, I was yelling, ‘Help, help, I’m being robbed.’ He pulled the gun out, and he stuck the gun in my face, and I said, ‘What do you want?’ He said, ‘I want everything.'"

The video shows three of the hooded culprits surrounding the victim, who's lying face-down in the street. One of them stomps on the victim's head — the sickening stomp is audible on the video — while another punches him twice. They appear to take the victim's property and then run off.

WBFF said Bernie was knocked out as a result of the attack in the neighborhood near Patterson Park in Baltimore City. Now his left eye is swollen and black and blue, and he has seven stitches near his eyebrow, the station added.

While Bernie told WBFF five suspects attacked him, Baltimore Police said they arrested two males: 18-year-old Montaz Bailey and a 15-year-old male. Police also said a handgun was recovered along with the victim's property after the attack in 200 block of South Madeira Street.

Police said Bailey was taken to the Central Booking and Intake Facility for processing while the 15-year-old male was taken to the Juvenile Justice Center to request a review for detention — but the boy soon was released to a guardian. Both suspects have prior arrests, police said.

Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates authorized an attempted first-degree murder charge to be filed against Bailey, WBFF reported.

“I think I was a prime target for them," Bernie added to the station. "They waited for a prime opportunity to pounce. They get apprehended and within hours, they're back on the street again. They laugh and think it’s a joke. To be honest with you, I can’t blame them for laughing. If I was in their shoes, I’d be laughing about it, too. If you can commit a crime and not be held accountable — there’s no consequences — what’s to stop you?"

“This incident is truly horrific, and my heart is with this victim and our communities,” Police Commissioner Richard Worley said. “More must be done to address the ongoing challenges of crimes being committed by young people and the lack of consequences and accountability. These incidents undermine the work of the BPD and erode the trust our communities place in us to keep them safe.”

Democrat Mayor Brandon M. Scott added, "Time and time again, we’re frustrated by this pattern of repeatedly needing to arrest the same young people who have not received the accountability necessary from other parts of the justice system. The current pattern does a disservice to our residents, our city, and — importantly — the young people themselves. Our police officers are doing their job, and I commend them for their quick action to find those responsible for this terrible attack. But clearly the larger system continues to fail these young people by returning them to the same environment that cannot hold them accountable or on the right path without the additional support needed to make a real change.”

Bernie noted to WBFF, “There is no accountability. They keep letting them go and letting them go and this is what you’re going to have. You guys really start thinking about changing some laws. And you better do it fast before it hits your house next.”

You can view a video report here about the incident.

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Thug confesses to brutally beating 74-year-old man who died next day in hospital; attack on Baltimore street caught on video



A male confessed to brutally beating a 74-year-old man on a Baltimore street Saturday, WJZ-TV reported, citing court documents. The victim died in a hospital the next day; the attack was caught on surveillance video.

Police said they arrested 43-year-old Timothy Clinedinst in connection with the attack against David Philpot.

'He wouldn't be dead if it wasn't for this person.'

Investigators said they learned Clinedinst assaulted Philpot in the 1700 block of Eastern Avenue, adding that the Medical Examiner's office determined Philpot's death was a homicide.

Clinedinst was arrested Monday in Baltimore County (Dundalk) and booked on an involuntary manslaughter charge, police said. Clinedinst is due back in court in mid-September, WJZ reported.

You can view surveillance video of the attack here. The video shows the attacker shoving the victim backward across a sidewalk until the victim lands on his right side — and halfway into the street. The attacker then lifts up the victim's feet and drags the victim the rest of the way into the street between two parked cars. It also appears the attacker kicks the victim in the head and puts his hands around the victim's neck.

Police said Philpot suffered a broken hip and numerous cuts and bruises, WJZ reported.

Philpot's widow, Mary Margaret Philpot, told the station the attack aggravated her husband's pre-existing heart condition: "He shouldn't be dead. He wouldn't be dead if it wasn't for this person."

David Chebahtah, a neighbor of the Philpot family, told WJZ that "it's a tragedy that a 40 [something]-year-old old man has to beat up a 70-plus-year-old man. The sense of safety in the neighborhood has been shaken. He was a great neighbor, and he always smiled."

Philpot's widow added to the station that her husband also was a father, grandfather, and veteran and wanted to help others: "On the block, the standing joke was if something's wrong, 'Go get Mr. Dave, he will fix it.'"

She added tearfully that her late husband "was my hero. He was my world. I just want this to be resolved. Let's just say let justice do what they have to do."

You can view a video report here about the fatal attack and how others are reacting to it.

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Thugs sucker punch 'local legend' Vietnam vet, 81, while he's delivering pizzas in Chicago — then steal, crash his car



Ernie Aimone — an 81-year-old Vietnam veteran — has been delivering pizzas for Joe's on Higgins in Chicago for the last 40 years, WLS-TV reported.

Image source: YouTube screenshot

Image source: YouTube screenshot

Aimone was on the job like always Wednesday night, having just delivered a pizza in the Jefferson Park neighborhood on the city's northwest side, the station said.

While Aimone was crossing the street in the 5300 block of North Ludlam Avenue just after 9 p.m., he said he got punched from behind and ended up on the ground, WLS reported.

"They said, 'Gimme the keys, gimme the keys,'" Aimone recounted to the station. "And they sucker punched me from behind, hit me in the face. I was afraid for my life."

Aimone told WLS he didn't fight back and stayed face down in the street and listened as his assailants took off in his car. Chicago police confirmed Aimone's account, the station said, adding that state police hours later found Aimone's 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe on an expressway.

Turns out a chase ensued, after which the car crashed and sustained major damage, WLS noted, adding that police arrested a teen suspect and are looking for others.

— (@)

"He's like family to us," Frank Demonte with Joe's on Higgins told the station. "He's seen me grow up from very young. He worked for my dad."

Gina Demonte, also with Joe's on Higgins, added to WLS that "Ernie's very special to us. Always has been."

What's more, the station said many customers specifically request Aimone to deliver their pizzas.

With all the accolades around him, folks in the community offered to step up and help once word got out about what happened to Aimone, WLS said.

"He's like a local legend," Dan Ciolino with the Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce told the station. "He's been loyal to Joe's for 40 years. He served our country. He deserves our support in his time of need."

Aimone's daughter Robyn told WLS, "It could have been a lot worse. I don't know what I would do without him."

Image source: YouTube screenshot

'I gotta live for them'

Despite an experience that would sideline many people, Aimone told the station he's not giving up — and will get right back to work once he has a car again.

"I got a daughter and a son," he told WLS. "I gotta live for them."

It seems Aimone might be able to get a new set of wheels pretty fast, as the Gladstone Park Chamber of Commerce started a GoFundMe page to support him — and as of Monday afternoon, more than $46,600 of the $75,000 goal has been raised.

From the GoFundMe campaign:

Vietnam Veteran Ernie Aimone has been a fixture on the Northwest side of Chicago for over 40 years and been a part of the team at Joe's Pizza for just as long — in fact he more than likely has delivered you and your family a pizza during that time if you ordered from Joe's! He's a proud Chicagoan, and proud Sgt. (retired) of the United States Army, serving in Vietnam for multiple tours. While he's become a bit of a local legend, he has fallen on hard times as of late. Just a few nights ago, Ernie was carjacked by multiple individuals, who stole his phone, took his car for a joyride, and left the vehicle extremely damaged. Ernie's main source of income is through delivering pizza for Joe's, and his insurance company wants to deny his claim, as he was carjacked while working. Not certain if he'll be able to pay for the repairs, or potentially for a vehicle which will allow him to continue working, our community is stepping in to help out! It's at times like these where our friends and neighbors need us most! Please consider donating whatever amount you can in support of Ernie in the hopes of getting things turned around for him! Ernie proudly served his country, and has been delivering to our community for years; and now it's time for us to deliver for him!

81-year-old veteran, pizza delivery man attacked, carjacked in Chicago: 'They sucker punched me' youtu.be

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Homeowner, 72, allegedly assaulted by 22-year-old intruder in reported burglary. But victim has a gun — and needs just one shot to stop home invader cold.



A 22-year-old intruder allegedly assaulted a 72-year-old homeowner during a reported burglary early Saturday in Liberty Township, Pennsylvania, WJAC-TV reported, adding that state police said the homeowner fatally shot the intruder.

Liberty Township is in the southwest section of Pennsylvania, just over two hours east of Pittsburgh.

What are the details?

Troopers told the station they responded to a reported home invasion and assault in progress around 3:15 a.m. Saturday.

The initial 911 call was disconnected, but when communication was reestablished, police said the homeowner told them gunshots were fired, WJAC said, citing a state police public information report.

Police said the homeowner fired one round at Dakota Hall, who was pronounced dead at the scene, the station said.

The homeowner was injured in the assault and was taken to a hospital in Bedford for treatment, WJAC reported.

Troopers told WTAJ-TV there's no threat to the public.

How are folks reacting?

Commenters reacting to a WTAJ Facebook post about the deadly encounter appear squarely behind the homeowner:

  • "I feel bad for the parents & other family of the 22 year old, but that being said: If you don’t want to run the risk of getting shot, don’t break into someone’s house at 3 in the morning!" one commenter said.
  • "I support the homeowner," another commenter wrote. "We need to protect ourselves and our property."
  • "Need more home owners like this!!!!" another commenter declared. "That would cut down on crime when the burglars are afraid of getting shot."
  • "The guy was in his home uninvited at 3 a.m.; he got what he deserves!" another commenter exclaimed.
  • "Exactly the way it should turn out every time," another commenter said. "You do stupid things you win stupid prizes."
  • "Justice been served," another commenter wrote, adding that that the alleged intruder "knew his options. Checkmate."
  • "I love it when justice is dispensed immediately because we all know going [through] the system does nothing," another commenter concluded.

Woman, 20, accused of slashing 82-year-old man in head with machete in NYC. Last month, suspect was arrested, released after allegedly displaying machete.



A 20-year-old woman with a string of weapons-related arrests under her belt is accused of slashing an 82-year-old man in the head with a machete in an unprovoked attack in New York City.

Last month, the suspect was arrested and released after allegedly following a man and displaying a machete, sources told the New York Post.

What are the details?

In the Wednesday morning attack against the elderly victim, Deashe Calhoun lunged at Hubert Meulens at Stone Street and Broadway, Metropolitan Transportation Authority police and sources told the Post.

Meulens was left with a fractured skull and 11 stitches, the paper said.

“Even with just one blow, I could have passed away,” Meulens told the Post during a phone interview from his Bellevue Hospital bed.

“I’m surprised she wasn’t in prison,” the victim added to the paper in regard to his attacker. “She needs to be away from society for a long time.”

The Post, citing sources, said Calhoun was out free despite seven prior arrests, each involving a machete or other weapons — including when she was accused of following a 31-year-old man and displaying her machete without using it on Aug. 25. The paper said she was arrested in released for the latter incident, too, sources noted.

\u201cDeranged UWS machete slasher held on $500K bail in concierge attack https://t.co/00xVatf41z\u201d
— New York Post (@New York Post) 1662664209

'Maniac'

One police source told the paper the suspect is a "maniac" who's "known to carry knives, sharp instruments, machetes. How is she out walking around?”

Meulens’ son added to the Post that he's feared an attack on his father was coming, as he's a “soft target” in middle of spiking crime in the city.

“I tell him every night, 'Be careful on the trains and in the street,'” the victim's son, 50-year-old Peter Marcel revealed to the paper. “There are a lot of zombies on the trains who are very unpredictable and irrational. It’s not being dealt with. Unfortunately, my fears have come true.”

A Manhattan cop added to Post that "this is what happens when you let people run around the streets with weapons. Eventually they will use them and attack an innocent elderly person.”

More from the paper:

After Meulens was slashed in the face, he stumbled down Broadway after his attacker, but she spun around and sprayed him with the bear spray and kept walking toward MTA headquarters, authorities said. Three MTA cops spotted her with the spray and “acting irrationally” in front of headquarters, then saw her drop the machete from under her armpit, according to authorities.

Calhoun was arrested for assault, attempted assault, criminal possession of a weapon and harassment, cops said.

Meulens is now expected to remain hospitalized until at least Thursday, he said.

“I am not angry,” Meulens, a building concierge, told the Post. “I would suggest she needs to be examined by a doctor. She needs psychiatric help.”

What else is the suspect accused of?

Calhoun on March 26 was charged after threatening someone in Washington Square Park while brandishing a knife and declaring “I’m coming for ya,” sources told the paper.

Three months later — June 26 — she was charged with flashing a switchblade at someone in a Blink fitness center on Avenue A in Manhattan, sources added to the Post.

Then Calhoun was charged July 28 with tampering with physical evidence — followed by an arrest three days later on a weapons charge after she brandished her machete at a victim on Fifth Avenue, sources noted to the paper.

The Post added that twice last month the suspect was seen with blades on Brooklyn trains – on Aug. 7 when she was caught with two knives, and again on Aug. 13 when she was seen with her machete, sources said.

Suspect arrested in machete attack in Lower Manhattanyoutu.be

Hammer-wielding shoplifter bashes head of 70-year-old laundromat worker who tries to stop theft. Crook apparently needed some free bleach.



Surveillance video caught the moments a shoplifter repeatedly used a hammer to hit the head of a 70-year-old Brooklyn laundromat worker who attempted to stop the early-morning theft last week.

What are the details?

The suspect entered the Aqua Wash laundromat on East 98th Street near Livonia Avenue in the New York City borough's Brownsville neighborhood just before 5 a.m. Thursday, police told the New York Post.

Video released late Tuesday shows the suspect heading to the back of the store where police said he grabbed some items — among them apparently a few bottles of bleach — without paying for them, the paper said.

Then the laundromat worker tried to stop the theft, grabbing the suspect and holding on to him even after the suspect grabbed a hammer — which belonged to the store — and repeatedly bashed the worker in the head with it.

The Post said the suspect hit the laundromat worker about four times in the head, dragging the elderly man across the floor before they both fell down.

Video shows the suspect dropped items he was attempting to steal, but he apparently took off with the hammer.

What happened to the worker?

The paper said emergency services treated the laundromat worker at the scene for cuts on his head.

Police are still looking for the suspect who was last seen wearing a light green shirt, dark red shorts, and a yellow cap, the Post said.

Elderly man attacked with hammeryoutu.be

How are folks reacting?

Twitter commenters reacted rather pointedly and sarcastically to the news of the violent attack:

  • "We need common-sense hammer control," one commenter quipped. "3-day waiting period to buy hammers."
  • "Just gonna say it," another user wrote. "If you don't own the place (and even maybe if), just let them walk away. Obviously these thugs don't care if you're elderly."
  • "As New Yorkers, we all know bleach prices are exorbitant, especially at bodegas where it's $7," another commenter observed. "That prospective carpenter isn't in the wrong; circumstances forced his hand. We're all entitled to bleach; it should be free."
  • "This is normal; nothing to see here," another user chirped. "Let’s fix the climate instead."