Subway rider fights back after 'much bigger' passenger slaps him in face, sends his glasses flying



Alexander Rakitin told the New York Post he's been commuting from Brooklyn to Manhattan on the subway for almost three decades — but in the last couple of years he's noticed the danger factor increase.

“I think everyone who takes the subway feels scared and nervous,” Rakitin, a father who works in finance, told the Post. “There’s a degree of nervousness all the time. Scanning my surroundings, seeing irate, angry people. People just not following the rules, antisocial behavior, criminal behavior, and aggression.”

'Everybody that gets on the subway in the morning knows they're going down into a dangerous place. That's just the reality we live in.'

Rakitin experienced all of that dialed up several notches earlier this week in a dangerous encounter captured on cellphone video.

Just after 8:30 a.m. Monday, Rakitin was aboard the N train when another passenger became upset, WABC-TV reported.

The Post noted that Rakitin, 42, accidentally nudged the knee of 34-year-old Timothy Barbee.

"He's being aggressive that apparently I sat too close to him, even though I wasn't in an adjacent seat," Rakitin told the station. "It's just he felt that's his personal space, and he was being very aggressive. I told him to just chill out. Like, just chill. It's 8:30 in the morning. Just going to work. Nobody needs this. Just chill out. And he just escalated."

Video shows the pair jawing at each other with apparent expletives when Barbee tells Rakitin to "make me chill" and repeatedly orders him to "shut the f*** up." Rakitin tells Barbee that "you started it," and the pair stare each other down.

With that, Barbee tells Rakitin, “I ain’t got time to go to jail today" and to "stop staring at me" — and then slaps Rakitin in the face, causing Rakitin's glasses to fly off his head.

Rakitin told WABC that while he's had previous encounters on the subway, this was the first time it escalated into physical violence.

But Rakitin said he fought back.

"I got on top of him, and I just grabbed ahold of him," he told the station. "And I was thinking, like, 'Just don't let go because he's much bigger than me.' I don't know what's on his mind, so I was just holding him until the cops came."

Rakitin added to WABC that Barbee started calling out for help. What's more, Rakitin told the Post that Barbee — and other passengers — actually began telling Ratikin to let Barbee go.

“The only way I can explain it to myself is that the people that saw it start, how it started, they just ran away," Rakitin told the paper. "Most people just ran away into a different train car. And then the people that didn’t see it start only paid attention when I wrestled him to the ground.”

The Post said Barbee was arrested after the train pulled into the next stop; he was charged with third-degree assault. WABC said Rakitin wasn't seriously hurt.

Barbee declined to comment on the incident after his Tuesday arraignment, the Post reported.

"Everybody that gets on the subway in the morning knows they're going down into a dangerous place," Rakitin told WABC. "That's just the reality we live in."

You can view WABC's video report here about the incident. The Post's video shows the argument, the slap — and then Barbee being led off the train in handcuffs.

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Concealed-carrying food vendor in Chicago serves up lethal dish for thug who pulls gun on him



A Chicago food vendor who was carrying concealed fatally shot a male who pulled a gun on him Friday night.

Chicago police told WLS-TV the shooting occurred in the South Austin neighborhood's 300 block of South Central Avenue just before 9 p.m.

'Good outcome. The robber won't be turned loose on the street by the useless court system to reoffend.'

The male approached the 35-year-old food vendor, and a brief struggle ensued, police told the station.

Police said the male pulled out a gun, and the food vendor — who has a concealed carry license — also took out a gun, WLS reported.

In an exchange of gunfire, the male who approached the food vendor suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his body, and he was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, the station said.

The Cook County Medical Examiner identified the male who was killed as 34-year-old Demitrius Manning, WLS noted.

The food vendor was shot in his right arm, and he was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition, police added to the station.

Police told WLS the incident is being investigated as an attempted robbery and that there were two guns at the scene.

How are people reacting?

Individuals posting comments under the WLS Facebook post about the incident seem to be squarely in the food vendor's corner.

  • "Great news this time around," one commenter wrote.
  • "Thank goodness he was able to protect himself," another user noted.
  • "Good," another commenter said. "[People] are tired and starting to fight back."
  • "We need more of this," another user declared. "Good guys and girls with guns. Only way to stop bad people with guns."
  • "Good outcome," another commenter stated. "The robber won't be turned loose on the street by the useless court system to reoffend."
  • "I’m so glad the food vendor is OK," another user said. "We should all buy from this hard-working person. He deserves a medal."
  • "He better not have to go through a trial," another commenter wrote.
  • "Hell yeah love this!!!" another user exclaimed. "Stop messing with [people]."
  • "Score one for the good guy," another commenter opined.

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More Republican Women Now Own Firearms Than Democrat Men, Poll Finds

'The gap in gun ownership between political parties has only widened'

Brothers beat up tire shop worker amid dispute, take worker's gun, hit him with it. One arrested brother on immigration hold.



Two brothers beat up a Miami tire shop employee amid a dispute over a work order Monday afternoon, police said. Both brothers were arrested — but one of them, a Cuban national — reportedly was placed on an immigration hold.

Miami-Dade police told WPLG-TV that 40-year-old Pedro Luis Rodriguez and 32-year-old Luis Angel Rodriguez-Candano came to Tire Liquidators Miami II in the 2000 block of SW 67th Avenue in west Miami-Dade and argued with the employee over a job done on a car.

Rodriguez grabbed the employee's gun, hit him on the head with it, and said in Spanish, 'What good is it to kill you?' WPLG noted, citing the police report.

Police said Rodriguez began punching the employee multiple times amid the argument, WPLG reported.

The employee then drew a gun from his waistband and held it in the air, the station said, citing a police report.

With that, Rodriguez-Candano lunged at the employee and began pushing him, WPLG said, adding that authorities indicated both brothers jumped on top of the employee, punching him multiple times in the head and body.

The employee then fired three shots — and one of them struck Rodriguez in the leg, the station said.

Rodriguez grabbed the employee's gun, hit him on the head with it, and said in Spanish, "What good is it to kill you?" WPLG noted, citing the police report.

Police said Rodriguez ran out of the office to call for help, the station said.

Police added that Rodriguez-Candano, once outside, continued to punch the employee, took the gun from Rodriguez, and pointed it at the victim, WPLG reported.

Medics were sent to the scene just after 3:45 p.m., the station said, citing dispatch records,

Authorities told WPLG that the tire shop employee suffered a cut to the top of his head and bruising on both arms but was not taken to a hospital.

Police added to the station that the employee told them he fired the gun in self-defense — and the tire shop owner also supports that claim.

The brother who was shot was taken to a hospital in stable condition, WPLG said.

The station, citing jail records, reported that both brothers are facing one count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and that Rodriguez-Candano is facing a separate charge of battery.

The brothers appeared in Miami-Dade bond court for second hearings Tuesday, WPLG reported, adding that both required Spanish interpreters and were represented by attorneys appearing via Zoom.

Rodriguez, a Cuban national, was placed on an immigration hold, and his bond was set at $5,000, the station said.

Rodriguez-Cadano was also given a $5,000 bond, WPLG reported, adding that a judge ordered both brothers were ordered to stay away from the victim.

You can view video reports about the incident here and here.

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Concealed-carrying motorist shoots male who approaches him allegedly with hand under shirt during road rage incident



A concealed-carrying motorist opened fire at a male who approached him allegedly with his hand under his shirt during a road rage incident in Illinois over the weekend.

Urbana Police said they responded at 4:30 p.m. Saturday to the intersection of Busey Avenue and Park Street.

The female driver was armed with a baseball bat, police said, adding that her male passenger approached the lone male driver.

Police said a male and female in one car got into a verbal dispute with a male driving alone in another car.

The lone male drove past the male and female, police said, adding that the male and female followed the lone male.

The lone male pulled into a hospital emergency room parking lot and then exited on Park Street in order to create distance between himself and the male and female following him, police said.

The car occupied by the male and female continued west on University Avenue, turned north on Busey Avenue, and stopped at Park Street, police said, adding that they exited their vehicle as the lone male reached the intersection.

The female driver was armed with a baseball bat, police said, adding that her male passenger approached the lone male driver.

Police said the lone male driver indicated that the other male had his hand underneath his shirt as if he were carrying a weapon.

Police said the lone male driver — a concealed-carry permit holder — from his vehicle drew a legally concealed gun and fired several rounds striking the other male.

Police said the lone male called 911 to report the incident.

The wounded male was transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery and was in intensive care, police said.

Police said the incident is under investigation, and no arrests had been made.

Police added that those with information about the case can call 217-384-2320 and make arrangements if they wish to discuss the information privately. Those wishing to remain anonymous can submit tips to Crime Stoppers by phone at 217-373-TIPS, online at 373tips.com, or through the "P3 Tips" mobile app.

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Concealed-carrying motorcyclist fatally shoots alleged road-rage driver who charged at him with hammer, police say



A concealed-carrying motorcyclist fatally shot an alleged road-rage driver who charged at him with a hammer in Maryland last week, police said.

Anne Arundel County police said the 22-year-old motorcyclist was traveling near Maryland Route 10 and Furnace Branch Road around 8:20 p.m. Thursday when he noticed another vehicle tailgating him and driving erratically, WBAL-TV reported.

Police said the motorcyclist has a Maryland concealed handgun carry permit and that he remained at the scene, WBAL reported.

"I heard a pop. I thought it sounded like gunfire. Ten to 15 minutes later, started having police and everything show up," Hyung Chang — owner of Against Our Odds Vape Shop in Glen Burnie — told WBAL.

Police said 51-year-old Scott David Guhse of Glen Burnie pulled alongside the motorcyclist and shouted at him, and the pair nearly collided, the station reported.

"At a certain point, he was sort of forced off the road, and then stopped," Anne Arundel County police spokesman Justin Mulcahy told the station. "He ultimately had to lay down his bike."

Guhse and the motorcyclist came to a stop on East Furnace Branch Road at Margate Drive where Guhse allegedly charged toward the motorcyclist with a hammer, police told WBAL.

The motorcyclist told police he drew his handgun and shot Guhse, the station said, adding that fire officials said Guhse died at the scene.

Police said the motorcyclist has a Maryland concealed handgun carry permit and that he remained at the scene, WBAL reported.

Mulcahy told the station officials are trying to piece things together; police told WBAL that the incident is being investigated as an assault and homicide.

Those with information should call police at 410-222-4731, or the Anne Arundel County police tip line at 410-222-4700, or Metro Crime Stoppers at 866-7LOCKUP, the station said.

"It's unfortunate," vape shop owner Chang told the station, adding that at least once a month along the road he sees "people popping off, screaming at each other. People have to learn to tone things down a little bit and not take things so personal."

- YouTube youtu.be

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Armed intruder breaks into home after midnight. But homeowner's son also has a gun — and permanently takes care of business.



An armed intruder broke into a Florida home after midnight Sunday — but the homeowner's adult son also had a gun and fatally shot the intruder.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said it received a call at 12:23 a.m. regarding an armed residential burglary in the 3000 block of Double D Ranch Trail in Ruskin. Ruskin is on the shore of Tampa Bay and is about a half hour south of the city of Tampa.

'This is a happy ending! Another reason why every law abiding person should be a trained gun owner.'

When deputies arrived on the scene, they found the suspect dead from multiple gunshot wounds, the sheriff's office said.

The deputies' investigation determined that the homeowner's adult son shot the suspect after he broke into the home, the sheriff's office said, adding that the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

Image source: Hillsborough County (Fla.) Sheriff's Office

The Tampa Bay Times, citing deputies, identified the break-in suspect as 46-year-old Tony Sei. The Times, citing deputies, said Sei was armed with a handgun.

"Imagine the fear of being awoken in the middle of the night to a stranger invading your home," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "This is every homeowner's greatest fear, a dangerous and brazen individual breaking in, showing a complete disregard for the safety and security of others. Our thoughts are with this family as they recover from the trauma of this event."

The sheriff's office said the investigation is active and that any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.

How are people reacting?

Nearly 200 comments have appeared under the sheriff's office Facebook post about the break-in. The following is a sampling:

  • "This is a happy ending!" one commenter declared. "Another reason why every law abiding person should be a trained gun owner."
  • "FAFO quick! Glad the family is safe! Great job homeowners," another user noted.
  • "Anyone who knows that block would not try that," another commenter opined, adding that "most are good country folk and we love guns FAFO!"
  • "Outstanding job!" another user exclaimed. "That’s one taxpayers don’t have to pay to house, feed and defend."

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Security guard fatally shoots male who held gun to his head, threatened to kill him; prosecutors say guard won't be charged



A security guard fatally shot a male who held a gun to his the back of his head and threatened to kill him two months ago in Aurora, Colorado — and prosecutors on Monday said the guard acted in self-defense and won't be charged, KUSA-TV reported.

Police responded about 9 p.m. Aug. 31 to a report of a shooting outside a 7-Eleven in the 12000 block of East Colfax, the station said.

'He did his job, and he defended himself in the process.'

Prosecutors said Vernon Dorsey approached the guard, who was walking in front of the store, and placed a handgun to the back of the guard's head, KUSA said. Dorsey ordered the guard to hand over his gun and threatened to kill him, the station added.

KUSA said Dorsey and the guard fought as Dorsey attempted to disarm the guard.

But instead, the guard got hold of his own gun and shot Dorsey in the chest, KUSA said.

When officers arrived, they found Dorsey with a gunshot wound, the station said, adding that Dorsey later died. Dorsey was 36 years old, KUSA said in an earlier story.

The District Attorney’s Office and the Aurora Police Department agreed after reviewing evidence that the guard fired his weapon in self-defense and was legally justified, KUSA said.

Anything else?

The station said the guard was taken to police headquarters and questioned and that police at the time believed the guard was acting in self-defense.

The private company that supplies the guards for 7-Eleven — Iron Spear Protection Group LLC — said in a statement at the time that it's backing the guard in question with "absolute certainty" after reviewing the incident, KUSA reported.

Iron Spear's president stated at the time of the incident that the guard was in good condition and with his family, the station added.

How are observers reacting?

Commenters under KUSA's Facebook post about the incident were solidly behind the guard's actions:

  • "Good work, sir, here is a raise," one commenter said.
  • Good," another user added. "He did his job, and he defended himself in the process."
  • "Happy ending feel-good story!!!" another commenter exclaimed.

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Motorist with long criminal history allegedly tries to run over a father and son. But Dad has a gun.



A motorist with a long criminal history allegedly tried to run over a father and son Saturday in Florida — but authorities said the father fatally shot the motorist.

Marcus Blicker, 47, followed two vehicles driven by a neighbor’s son and his friend and aggressively swerved toward them in traffic, deputies from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office told the Daytona Beach News-Journal.

Blicker was found dead in the driver’s seat of his pickup.

The neighbor's son called his father and told him he was being followed, the News-Journal said.

When the son and his friend got to the father's home on Jackson Lane in Port Orange, deputies told the paper that Blicker arrived there as well and started yelling and threatening the son and his friend. Port Orange is about 15 minutes south of Daytona Beach.

The homeowner fired warning shots, asking Blicker to leave, the News-Journal reported.

However, the paper said Blicker around 7:40 p.m. tried to ram them with his truck and was shot.

When deputies arrived at the scene, Blicker was found dead in the driver’s seat of his pickup, the sheriff's office told the News-Journal.

The incident was captured on video and audio recordings that support the accounts of the shooter and witnesses, deputies told the paper.

No criminal charges have been filed against the homeowner who shot Blicker, the News-Journal reported. The sheriff's office added to the paper that the shooting remains under investigation.

The News-Journal also noted that a Rottweiler in Blicker's truck was injured during the shooting, after which Volusia County Animal Services responded and took the dog for veterinary care. The dog is expected to recover, the paper said.

The News-Journal, citing court records, said Blicker has a long criminal history. He was arrested in 2020 for aggravated stalking, for which he served 12 months' probation, the paper said, adding that in 2012 he was sentenced to 12 months' probation for battery after punching a woman in the cheek at the Flagler Tavern in New Smyrna Beach.

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Male breaks into rural home, makes threats, ignores gun-toting resident's warning to stop. It ends badly for intruder.



A resident of a rural Illinois home fatally shot an intruder early Friday morning, Shelby County Sheriff Brian McReynolds told the Effingham Daily News.

“At 5:25 a.m., the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a home invasion in progress at a rural Herrick address within Shelby County,” McReynolds said in a press release, the paper said. “The suspect was identified as Wade M. Barnes, 19 years old, of Cowden. Barnes was known by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office due to prior involvements, including a current criminal case.”

It seems Barnes was in trouble with the law earlier this month. He was charged Oct. 9 with aggravated fleeing from a police officer, possessing a firearm without a state Firearm Owner's Identification Card, transporting liquor by a driver under 21, damage to property greater than $300, and operating an uninsured vehicle.

Barnes was threatening the home's occupants, the Daily News said, and McReynolds noted that an occupant retrieved a gun and verbally warned Barnes to stop.

“Barnes continued into the residence, ignoring the warning,” McReynolds said, according to the paper. “Shots were fired in the direction of Barnes, striking him. EMS was dispatched. EMS transported to Good Shepherd Hospital, in Shelbyville, where he succumbed to his injuries, and was pronounced deceased at 7:16 a.m.”

The Daily News said the sheriff's office is investigating the incident, and state police, the Shelby County Coroner, and the Shelby County State’s Attorney have been contacted to assist with the investigation.

What else do we know about the suspect?

It seems Barnes was in trouble with the law earlier this month. He was charged Oct. 9 with aggravated fleeing from a police officer, possessing a firearm without a state Firearm Owner's Identification Card, transporting liquor by a driver under 21, damage to property greater than $300, and operating an uninsured vehicle, according to the paper, which cited online court records. Barnes' next court appearance was scheduled for Nov. 20, the Daily News said.

Barnes also was charged on May 18, 2023, with aggravated fleeing and speeding 35 miles per hour over the speed limit, the paper said, adding that the fleeing charge was dismissed. Barnes paid a fine and was ordered to driver education and community service, the Daily News noted.

How are observers reacting?

Commenters under WICS-TV's Facebook post about the incident were decidedly behind the individual who ended the break-in threat. Here are a handful of those reactions:

  • "It’s about time people start defending themselves again!!! Great job!!!" one commenter wrote.
  • "If you are going to engage in criminal activity, you accept the consequences," another user added. "I did not get shot recently; probably because I don't do crimes. Hmmmmm."
  • "The criminals' anthem... another one bites the dust!" another commenter stated.
  • "Justice is served," another user declared.

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