Video: Bartender grabs baseball bat, pounds it on floor, demands female Trump supporter leave bar — because of her MAGA hat



Cellphone video caught the tense moments in an Indianapolis bar Friday when a bartender grabbed a baseball bat, pounded it on the floor, and demanded that a female supporter of President Donald Trump leave the establishment — because she was wearing a "Make America Great Again” hat.

The bar, however, issued a statement saying the Trump-supporting woman and her friends "misgendered and harassed" an employee, among other claims.

With that, the first bartender picks up a baseball bat and pounds it on the floor while telling Hensley, 'I'm not f**king around. Get out of my bar.'

Elise Hensley told WISH-TV that she and her friends went to the popular Chatterbox jazz bar, which they had done on several other occasions — but this time, the station said a few of them chose to wear MAGA hats.

“We went up to the bar, before we could even get a word out or order a drink, he just looked at me, and he said, ‘No.' And I said, ‘Excuse me?’ He said, ‘Absolutely not,’ he said, ‘Your hat. You need to leave right now,’” Hensley recounted to WISH.

Hensley told the station she left the bar but soon after decided to go back inside and ask why she was kicked out. WISH said Hensley took video of the interaction. You can watch and listen to the following video from an X user:

"No! No! We're not answering questions! Get out of the bar!" the bartender yells.

"Why?" Hensley asks.

"Because you're a Trump supporter," the bartender replies.

"I know, but don't you guys want our money?" Hensley asks.

"No! Actually we don't. Get out of my bar right now," the bartender responds before pointing presumably toward the exit.

"You're not welcome," a second bartender is heard saying.

With that, the first bartender picks up a baseball bat and pounds it on the floor while telling Hensley, "I'm not f**king around. Get out of my bar."

"Are you serious?" Hensley asks.

"I'm dead serious," the bartender replies. "Out."

"Because I'm wearing a Trump hat?" Hensley asks incredulously.

"Yes," the bartender answers.

"That's wild," Hensley remarks.

"I don't care," the bartender says. "Get out."

"We can call the police, or you can just leave,” the second bartender is heard saying.

"You know this is, like, discrimination, right?" Hensley states.

A good deal of laughter erupts, and the first bartender hollers, "Oh, boo hoo! Boo f**king hoo! Get out of my bar."

With that, the video soon ends.

Hensley told WISH on Sunday, “I wore that hat because I do love our president of the United States. He is our president. I do appreciate that, and I don’t think I find anything wrong with me wanting to wear a Trump hat because he is our president.”

The station said Chatterbox did not respond to its request for an interview but did release a statement on Instagram. It reads, in part:

On Friday, March 14th, a group of individuals visited Chatterbox and intentionally misgendered and harassed a Chatterbox employee, resulting in them being asked to leave by our staff. They then continued verbally assaulting our patrons and staff, threatened our establishment, and returned to record a video which has now been posted on multiple social media platforms.

The Chatterbox is home to a diverse group of staff and patrons. We do not tolerate dehumanizing or disrespectful language or symbolism in our establishment. We have a right, by law, to refuse service to anyone who disrupts our business.

We look forward to continue being a home for people who love music and appreciate our community.

Hensley told WISH she didn't misgender or harass anyone at the bar.

“They probably have every right to kick me out,” Hensley told the station. “If you don’t want me at your bar, that is what it is. But also, the man that was with me was an African American male. He was wearing a Trump hat.”

You can view WISH's video report here about the incident.

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EXCLUSIVE: Indiana School District Spent $1.3 Million On ‘Racial Equity’ Workshops

'Disturbing example of the rot in K-12 schools'

'Tell your f**kin' stupid-a** dad to come f**kin' talk to me!' Male, 45, who appeared to punch boy, 14, faces another felony



A 45-year-male who was caught on video last month threatening the life of a 14-year-old boy who was sitting on a motorized bike in an Indianapolis neighborhood — and even appearing to punch the victim — has been charged with a second felony.

The Marion County Prosecutor's Office on Thursday said Jason Harrell faces an additional felony intimidation charge over threats made in the video against the boy's father as well as a misdemeanor intimidation charge for threats against the boy's uncle, the Indianapolis Star reported.

'I see you on this f**kin' street again, I'm gonna kill you and your dad, you understand?'

After video of the attack against the boy came to light, Harrell was charged with two counts of battery resulting in bodily injury and one count of intimidation, WTHR-TV reported. According to WTTV-TV, the intimidation charge is a Level 6 felony, and the two counts of battery resulting in bodily injury are Class A misdemeanors.

Marion County Jail records show Harrell was still incarcerated Friday afternoon with no bond, and his next court date is March 11.

What's the background?

Video of the incident — which has been viewed 14 million times — is timestamped just after 3:20 p.m. Jan. 25. It shows the male, who's dressed in a green shirt and driving a white vehicle, pulling up to the boy, who's wearing a helmet and sitting on the motorized bike. The man seems to accuse the teen of "going the wrong way."

The male soon shouts at the boy, "Tell your f**kin' stupid-ass dad to come f**kin' talk to me! I see you on my goddamned street again, I'm gonna f**k you up! Get the f**k outta here, you understand?"

Then the male exits the vehicle, walks around the rear of it, heads to the sidewalk, and approaches the boy while hollering, "You f**kin' understand?" The boy replies, "Yes, sir."

With that the male yells, "Get the f**k off my street!" before shoving the boy off the motorized bike and allegedly punching him.

"I see you on this f**kin' street again, I'm gonna kill you and your dad, you understand?" the male hollers at the boy before adding, "If I see you on this f**kin' street again, I'm gonna f**kin' kill you!"

With that the boy and the male ride away from the scene.

The Star, citing charging documents, added that the male in the video also threatens the life of the boy's uncle and calls the uncle a homophobic slur.

WTTV said officers spoke to the teenager, who stated he was riding his motorized bike on the road when a white vehicle rapidly approached him. Court documents indicated that the 14-year-old pulled over to the side of the road, WTTV noted.

The documents said that the vehicle’s driver — later identified as Harrell — stopped next to the boy, extended his arm out of the vehicle, and pushed the teenager off of his bike, WTTV said. This portion is not on the surveillance video.

Harrell then drove down the street, turned around, and pushed the boy again as he was picking up his bike, WTTV reported, adding that court documents said Harrell then punched the 14-year-old in the face while he was still on the ground.

While the boy reportedly was still wearing his full-face helmet at the time, WTHR said the teen told police the punch gave him a bloody lip.

Image source: Britney Schwitzke, used by permission

Britney Schwitzke — the boy's mother — told police that Harrell frequently would become upset by neighborhood kids riding motorized bikes either on the sidewalk or in the road, WTHR said.

"He's threatened them lots of times," Schwitzke told WTHR. "He sent the police to my house lots of times, but they always say they're not doing anything wrong. They stay in the neighborhood. They're not out on the main roads or anything like that. They're outside, playing, being kids."

Court documents indicate that police visited Harrell's house in the 800 block of Aberdeen Drive, where he allegedly told police children riding on motorbikes "plagued" the neighborhood, WTHR noted. Harrell then allegedly denied pushing or hitting the boy, saying he only yelled at him for his "habitual" behavior, WTHR said.

Police arrested Harrell and took him to the Marion County jail, WTHR reported, but Schwitzke said her son is afraid of what Harrell might do after he gets out of jail.

"Just after they took him away in cuffs, he asked me, 'How long is he going to be in jail? When's he going to get out? If he gets out, is he going to come to the house and try to kill me?'" Schwitzke recounted to WTHR.

You can view a video report here that aired prior to Harrell's court appearance Tuesday morning. It includes a redacted version of the surveillance video and an interview with Schwitzke.

One big positive

Earlier in February, more than 500 bikers rode through Indianapolis to show their support for the attacked teen, WXIN-TV reported. Ride organizer John Glass told the station, “No matter what’s going on in your life, you don’t touch a kid. There’s no excuses for any of that."

Glass and others came up with the idea of organizing a ride to show the boy he isn’t alone, WXIN said: “You’ve got a community behind you, this community loves you, and you’re going to have plenty of outreach. We’re going to give you plenty of other places to ride that bike than just on the street. That I can guarantee you!”

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'I see you on this f**kin' street again I'm gonna f**kin' kill you!' Man appears to punch boy, 14, over motorized bike riding



A man was caught on video physically attacking a 14-year-old boy who was sitting on a motorized bike in an Indianapolis neighborhood Saturday.

The video shows the man — who's dressed in a green shirt and driving a white vehicle — pulling up to the boy who's wearing a helmet and sitting on the motorized bike. The man seems to accuse the teen of "going the wrong way."

'How long is he going to be in jail? When's he going to get out? If he gets out, is he going to come to the house and try to kill me?'

The man soon shouts at the boy, "Tell your f**kin' stupid-ass dad to come f***in' talk to me! I see you on my ... street again I'm gonna f*** you up! Get the f*** outta here, you understand?"

Soon the man exits the vehicle, walks around the rear of it, heads to the sidewalk, and approaches the boy while hollering, "You f**kin' understand?" The boy replies, "Yes, sir."

With that the man yells, "Get the f*** off my street!" before shoving the boy off the motorized bike and allegedly punching him.

"I see you on this f**kin' street again, I'm gonna kill you and your dad, you understand?" the man hollers at the boy before adding, "If I see you on this f**kin' street again, I'm gonna f**kin' kill you!"

With that the boy and the man ride away from the scene.

You can view video of the incident here.

Arrest made

Jason Harrell, 46, of Indianapolis has been charged with two counts of battery resulting in bodily injury and one count of intimidation, WTHR-TV reported. According to WTTV-TV, the intimidation charge is a Level 6 felony, and the two counts of battery resulting in bodily injury are a Class A misdemeanors.

During Harrell's initial hearing Tuesday, the judge entered a plea of not guilty on Harrell's behalf, WTHR reported.

Harrell remained in custody Tuesday morning, and his bond was set at $500, WTHR said, adding that Harrell asked the judge for 30 days to get his own lawyer instead of a court-appointed attorney. Harrell's next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 25 at 8:30 a.m., WTHR reported.

Citing a police report, WTHR said police were called to the 700 block of Aberdeen Drive regarding a disturbance around 3:20 p.m. Saturday. WTHR said a neighbor sent the station surveillance video of the incident — the same clip linked above — showing a man, whom police later identified as Harrell, pulling up to the boy who was sitting on a motorized bike and yelling at him to get off of the street.

WTTV said officers then spoke to the teenager the man hit, and the teen stated he was riding his motorized bike on the road when a white vehicle rapidly approached him. Court documents indicated that the 14-year-old pulled over to the side of the road, WTTV noted.

The documents said that the vehicle’s driver — later identified as Harrell — stopped next to the boy, extended his arm out of the vehicle, and pushed the teenager off of his bike, WTTV said. This portion is not on the surveillance video.

Harrell then drove down the street, turned around, and pushed the boy again as he was picking up his bike, WTTV reported, adding that court documents said Harrell then punched the 14-year-old in the face while he was still on the ground.

While the boy reportedly was still wearing his full-face helmet at the time, WTHR said the teen told police the punch gave him a bloody lip.

Image source: Britney Schwitzke, used by permission

Britney Schwitzke — the boy's mother — told police that Harrell frequently would become upset by neighborhood kids riding motorized bikes either on the sidewalk or in the road, WTHR said.

"He's threatened them lots of times," Schwitzke told WTHR. "He sent the police to my house lots of times, but they always say they're not doing anything wrong. They stay in the neighborhood. They're not out on the main roads or anything like that. They're outside, playing, being kids."

Court documents indicate that police visited Harrell's house in the 800 block of Aberdeen Drive, where he allegedly told police children riding on motorbikes "plagued" the neighborhood, WTHR noted. Harrell then allegedly denied pushing or hitting the boy, saying he only yelled at him for his "habitual" behavior, WTHR said.

Police arrested Harrell and took him to the Marion County jail, WTHR reported.

Schwitzke told WTHR her son is afraid of what Harrell might do after he gets out of jail.

"Just after they took him away in cuffs, he asked me, 'How long is he going to be in jail? When's he going to get out? If he gets out, is he going to come to the house and try to kill me?'" Schwitzke recounted to WTHR.

You can view a video report here that aired prior to Harrell's court appearance Tuesday morning. It includes a redacted version of the surveillance video and an interview with Schwitzke.

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Woman stops car near cops, gets out, says male in car was holding her at gunpoint. Suspect points gun at cops, who open fire.



A woman stopped her car near Indianapolis police officers Sunday afternoon, exited the car, and told officers a male in the car had been holding her at gunpoint, the Indianapolis Star reported.

With that, police said the suspect in the car pointed a gun at officers, and one officer shot the suspect, the paper said.

'If anybody here, or out watching, has a solution to prevent what happened here today, I'm all ears. There's no way in my mind this could have been prevented other than the person not forcefully taking and kidnapping a woman, forcing her to drive around while a gun was pointed to her head.'

Kendale Adams, deputy chief of criminal investigations, told the Star the incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. in the 1000 block of North Kealing Ave. between 10th and 11th Streets.

Citing preliminary information, the paper said officers were conducting an unrelated theft investigation when an uninvolved vehicle suddenly stopped near them.

Adams said the woman exited the car and told officers she was being held at gunpoint by a male inside the vehicle whom she did not know, the paper said.

An officer at the scene loudly told the male to put his hands up, but the male pointed a handgun toward nearby officers and at least one uninvolved citizen, Adams explained to the paper.

One officer fired his gun, striking the male at least once, before using a taser in an attempt to subdue him, the paper said.

Police ordered the male to drop the gun, but "the suspect was still holding the firearm. Officers then took the firearm out of the suspect's hand and pulled the suspect out of the car," Adams added to the Star.

Police said the male received first aid at the scene and was taken to a hospital in critical condition, the paper said, adding that Adams said he was still critical late Sunday but stable.

Adams also told the Star that the woman recalled seeing officers at the location where she stopped her vehicle, which is why she drove the car there and "alerted the officers to the situation."

The paper said the officer who fired his gun has been placed on administrative leave, per department policy, and internal affairs is investigating. Adams also told the Star that the Civilian Use of Force Review Board will conduct a hearing after the criminal process.

More from the paper:

The shooting comes at a time when IMPD is seeking solutions to reduce the number of officer-involved shootings in Indianapolis after seeing a spike last year. In April, the department announced that the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Policing Institute would review shootings by Indianapolis police officers. There were 17 shootings that year. IMPD Chief Chris Bailey, though, said the North Kealing Avenue incident is "pretty cut and dry."

"Our officers were here on a thief report and violence came to them," Bailey told the Star. "They weren't making a traffic stop. They weren't serving a search warrant. They were here trying to help another community member."

Bailey also told the paper, "If anybody here, or out watching, has a solution to prevent what happened here today, I'm all ears. There's no way in my mind this could have been prevented other than the person not forcefully taking and kidnapping a woman, forcing her to drive around while a gun was pointed to her head."

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'All glory to God': Former wrestler doesn't let thug get away with physically abusing female Subway employee



Gabriel Pitzulo walked into the Subway on East Hanna Avenue on Indianapolis’ south side for his usual lunch on March 22 — a sweet onion chicken teriyaki footlong, WRTV-TV reported.

But when he approached the counter, Pitzulo said he witnessed something much less appetizing — a male verbally and physically abusing a female Subway employee.

“I had walked in and he was visibly assaulting [the employee] ... throwing stuff. I believe I saw him spit at her,” Pitzulo later told WRTV. “And how I was raised, man, you don't do that stuff. It was kind of 'go time' from there.”

Surveillance video shows that as the male turned and walked away from the counter, Pitzulo grabbed him and quickly took him down to the store's floor.

"She didn't seem like she could defend herself ... and I was afraid that he was either leaving to get something to harm her ... she had said that he had threatened to kill her," Pitzulo added to WRTV.

Pitzulo — a former wrester and football player — was able to hold the male until police arrived, the station said.

“I did combat sports for quite a while, so I was completely controlling [him],” Pitzulo explained to WRTV. "He [was] trying to bite me, and I didn't want to punch him or anything. I didn't want to hurt him too bad. I just held him, man.”

Image source: WRTV-TV video screenshot

Daniel Saunders was arrested at the scene and is being charged with battery resulting in bodily injury, the station said, adding that his next hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

District manager Aara Khan told WRTV he's thankful Pitzulo stepped up: "It could’ve turned out very dangerous. Luckily he was here at the right time.”

Image source: WRTV-TV video screenshot

Khan added to the station that Pitzulo is "definitely a hero."

Pitzulo played down the accolade: “All glory to God, man. He's always protected me and put me in situations ... that I can handle. I don't feel like a hero, but I'm glad I did it.”

Oh, and WRTV said the Subway is offering Pitzulo a free sandwich any time he visits.

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1 dead, 5 injured in shooting at Indianapolis bar, suspect is on the loose



A person is dead and five others were injured from a shooting at a bar in Indianapolis early Saturday morning, according to police.

The shooting happened shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Saturday at a bar in the Broad Ripple neighborhood of Indianapolis. Officers in the area responded quickly after hearing gunshots being fired. However, the gunman had already fled the crime scene by the time officers got to the bar. Police administered first aid to the victims.

Indianapolis Metro Police Department Commander Matthew Thomas confirmed the death and the injuries that occurred at the Landsharks bar and nightclub.

The fatal shooting victim was rushed to a local hospital, but he was later pronounced dead.

The Marion County Coroner's Office will release the deceased victim's name once his family has been notified of his death.

One of the shooting victims drove himself to the hospital.

The hospitalized shooting victims are said to be in stable condition.

All of the victims in the Indianapolis shooting were men.

Police do not have any suspects in custody as of Saturday morning.

Thomas declared, "Violence in our community is absolutely unacceptable."

"Deeply disturbed by the tragic incident early this morning that resulted in one life lost and others injured. Proud of the of the good work done by IMPD officers who responded quickly and provided aid. This morning, detectives continue to actively investigate, "stated Chris Bailey – Chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

WTHR reported, "IMPD said they have not yet located a suspect, but are working to interview witnesses and review video that was recorded by cameras in the area."

Police did not immediately share the circumstances or motive of the shooting. Authorities have yet to provide a description of the suspect or suspects.

Anyone with information on the shooting is urged to call IMPD Detective Steven Gray at 317-327-3475 or by email at Steven.Gray@indy.gov. Tips can also be made anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-TIPS.

Last month, one woman was killed and five others were wounded from a shooting at a Waffle House on the west side of Indianapolis.

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Shooting at Broad Ripple bar in Indy leaves 1 dead, 5 wounded www.youtube.com

Indianapolis police say 'terrorist' drove her car into a building after mistaking it for a Jewish school: 'I'm just getting my anger out'



A woman was arrested Friday after allegedly driving into a building she had figured for a Jewish school. Ironically, the building 34-year-old Ruba Almaghtheh admitted to plowing her Chevy Impala into belongs to a group known for similarly being anti-Semitic.

Almaghtheh, who appears to have come to the U.S. from Jordan, intentionally drove her car into the Israelite School of Universal and Practical Knowledge in the 3500 block of North Keystone Avenue around 11:30 p.m. on Friday, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police.

In footage of her arrest shared to the ISUPK's YouTube page, Almaghtheh can be heard denouncing Israel, criticizing America's support for Israel, and admitting, "I'm just here because if I don't do anything, I'm going to really have a heart attack sitting in my fricking chair. ... I'm just getting my anger out."

TERRORIST ATTACK ON AMERICAN SOIL ISRAELITE SCHOOL OF UNIVERSAL PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGEyoutu.be

According to court records, an adult, a 7-month-old baby, and three toddlers were inside the school at the time of the attack, reported the Indianapolis Star. No one was injured.

WXIN-TV reported that Almaghtheh told officers she had been watching news coverage of the Israel-Hamas war and hatched a scheme to attack the ISUPK, figuring it for a Jewish "Israel school" on account of the "Hebrew Israelite" symbol on the front of the building.

The Anti-Defamation League considers the ISUPK "an extreme and antisemitic sect of Black Hebrew Israelites (BHI) who believe that they are the only true BHI group because of ties to early organizations." Some BHI adherents assert that "white people are agents of Satan, Jews are liars and false worshipers of God, and Blacks are racially superior and the only true 'chosen people.'"

According to the IMPD, Almaghtheh said, "Yes. I did it on purpose," referencing "her people back in Palestine" and her inability to "breathe any more."

A probable cause affidavit for her arrest indicated that Almaghtheh also admitted to her sister during a courtesy call that she intentionally crashed into the building.

Officers reportedly labeled her a "terrorist."

Almaghtheh is reportedly being held at the Marion County Jail on a preliminary felony charge of criminal recklessness but was not formally charged as of late Monday, said Michael Leffler, a spokesman for Marion County Prosecutor's Office.

She is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

Captain Chaapash Yahawadah, the leader of the school, stated Monday, "We are not affiliated with the white Jewish community. We are not affiliated with what's going on over there in the Middle East," underscoring that "the black community will not be a whipping stick for the Palestinians."

The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis said in a statement, "The threat level for our community has not increased. Safe Indiana, our Jewish community security program, was immediately notified, and has been working alongside law enforcement on this incident. Safety and security for our community is of the utmost importance, and we are more secure and prepared than ever before."

The organization suggested, "Although a Jewish facility was not targeted, solely due to ironic misidentification, this is yet another reminder to maintain security protocols, remain vigilant of suspicious activity and to report same promptly to the appropriate authorities."

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Indianapolis Public Library disputes large attendance estimate for Kirk Cameron's Christian children's book reading: 'We've had bigger events'



One might reason that a public library would be thrilled by a huge crowd showing for an event at its location, particularly when kids are part of the throng. You're talking about many potential brand-new book borrowers, the possibility of numerous return visits, and more foot traffic — all of which may equal greater interest in the library.

But the Indianapolis Public Library seems none too pleased about an attendance estimate for Kirk Cameron's reading of his God-focused children's book "As I Grow," which took place at there Thursday.

Specifically, the library tweeted Friday that an attendance estimate of 2,500 is inaccurate — and far fewer folks showed up than was noted on social media:

\u201cWe are being inaccurately portrayed in news/social after a room rental yesterday. Our estimated door count during the event is around 750, not 2500. We've had larger events. We turn 150 yrs old in 2023. And our auditorium, which our guests chose not to rent, holds 300, not 2000.\u201d
— Indianapolis Public Library (@Indianapolis Public Library) 1672410431

"We are being inaccurately portrayed in news/social after a room rental yesterday," the library tweeted without naming Kirk Cameron or his book. "Our estimated door count during the event is around 750, not 2500. We've had larger events. We turn 150 yrs old in 2023. And our auditorium, which our guests chose not to rent, holds 300, not 2000."

Here's one tweet the library apparently didn't like:

\u201cThis is a message to every library in the United States: \n\nIn 137 years of the Indianapolis Public Library\u2019s history, NEVER ONCE have they had over 2,500 people show up to a single event. \n\nUNTIL TODAY.\u201d
— BRAVE Story Hour (@BRAVE Story Hour) 1672343054

How are folks reacting?

The library's tweet disputing the attendance has been getting a lot of attention, with most commenters wasting no time skewering Cameron and accusing him of lying. However, a handful of folks chastened the library for being petty:

  • "Does it truly disturb you so much that an event, centered on Christianity, drew a large, predominantly white, audience? How pathetic you must be......." one commenter noted.
  • "Libraries finally are getting people back in the door, and now they want to rip their tax paying customers who keep the lights [on] and pay their salaries b/c they are conservative," another user said. "You [would] think they'd be thankful, but I guess libraries are only for liberals now. Backwards if you ask me."
  • "How about thanking them for their patronage and bringing at least 750 parents and children to experience the library?" another commenter wondered.

Anything else?

Cameron — who was scheduled to do another reading Friday afternoon at Scarsdale (New York) Public Library — appeared on Fox News also on Friday to talk about the controversy over his attempts to hold readings of his book at public libraries:

\u201cTime to have a "meeting room rental" non-sponsored event where @KirkCameron will read "As You Grow" that is STILL not listed on the event calendar as of December 30th, 12:30pm CT.\n\n@scarsdalelib\u201d
— BRAVE Story Hour (@BRAVE Story Hour) 1672425567

Here are a few other looks at what went down at the Indianapolis Public Library on Thursday — starting with a rendition of "God Bless America":

\u201cAt this point most are staying in line upstairs. Some are going downstairs. It's not clear when or if there will be an additional reading. Folks are singing in the aisles awaiting direction. An announcement was made on the intercom but couldn't hear. @KirkCameron @indylibrary\u201d
— Ryan Wilson (@Ryan Wilson) 1672330377
\u201cWhat a turnout, Indianapolis!!\n\n\u2066@BraveBooksUS\u2069\u201d
— Trent Talbot (@Trent Talbot) 1672331681
\u201cWow! What an incredible turnout!\n\nThank you to everyone who gave up their morning to join us in Indianapolis!\n\nWe are so humbled & thankful for your support!\n\n@KirkCameron\u201d
— BRAVE Story Hour (@BRAVE Story Hour) 1672332139
\u201cLibrary staff has informed patrons that there will not be room for all guests to enjoy the book reading. As you can see, the building appears well beyond capacity. @KirkCameron @indylibrary #childstoryhour\u201d
— Ryan Wilson (@Ryan Wilson) 1672328486

'I work hard for what I’ve got. If you come and take it, there’s consequences': Homeowner who shot armed intruder dead issues no-nonsense warning ​to crooks



An Indianapolis homeowner who fatally shot an armed intruder late last month issued a no-nonsense warning to others intent on similar crimes.

“I hate that it happened. I hope these other guys learn a lesson from it. If not, there’s plenty of spots over in Crown Hill,” Howard Murphy told WANE-TV, presumably in reference to a city cemetery. “I don’t want it to be like that, but just like the average worker, I work hard for what I’ve got. If you come and take it, there’s consequences behind that.”

What happened?

Murphy said he heard someone breaking into his West 34th Street home through a side window just after 4 a.m. July 29, WANE reported, adding that he came downstairs to confront the intruder.

Image source: WANE-TV video screenshot

“He took a video game system and threw it at me, and after that shots rang out,” Murphy told the station.

Murphy admitted he shot the stranger, who then ran upstairs while holding a knife and died in a bedroom, WANE said.

“I honestly didn’t even know if he had been shot because he was still moving around and running around,” Murphy added to the station.

He cooperated with police and was soon released from custody, WANE reported.

Murphy also told the station his home had been broken into earlier in the same week as the July 29 incident and that that thousands of dollars in electronics were stolen.

Image source: WANE-TV video screenshot

"You shouldn't have to be armed inside of your own house," he added to WRTV-TV. "It's sad, but it is like that over there in this neighborhood."

Murphy was unsure whether 64-year-old Steve Sheppard, Jr. — the man he fatally shot — was involved in the prior break-in, WANE said.

“I don’t go out looking for trouble," Murphy noted to WANE. "I mind my own business."

He shot intruder in 2014

Citing police reports, WANE said it wasn't the first time Murphy shot someone who broke into his home.

The station said police were called to the same address in November 2014 after an intruder kicked in his door.

“He took a gamble thinking I wasn’t there, and I happened to be there,” Murphy told WANE at the time.

He added to the station that he shot the intruder in the leg: “He reached for something. I don’t know if it was a sledgehammer, but he reached for something and was getting ready to strike me, and that’s when shots were fired."

The wounded man ran off, WANE said, adding that he was eventually convicted of breaking into Murphy’s home — and Murphy was cleared of any wrongdoing.

(H/T: The Police Tribune)