Woman thought she was buying a puppy — instead she's lured into an ambush, shot, set on fire in likely revenge killing: Cops

A South Carolina woman who believed she was meeting someone to buy a puppy walked into a deadly trap, according to authorities. The woman reportedly was lured into an ambush, fatally shot, and set on fire.

The Florence County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that police responded to a call of a "vehicle consumed by fire with a deceased victim inside" in Effingham on Jan. 22.

'Investigators are exploring the theory that Kinlaw was targeted in retaliation for a separate murder involving a family member in Darlington.'

Around 5:45 p.m., deputies arrived at the scene to find the car still on fire and a body inside the vehicle, WMBF-TV reported.

Florence County Coroner Keith Von Lutcken identified the deceased woman as 40-year-old Dana Marie Kinlaw.

"Investigators allege that Iryanna Jarissa Fleming and Daquinn Taheen Thomas intentionally shot Kinlaw, resulting in her death, and subsequently set her body on fire inside the vehicle," police stated.

Florence County Sheriff TJ Joye said Fleming lured Kinlaw to a remote area.

"Supposedly they went there together," Joye said, according to WMBF. "Miss Fleming, she was 19 years of age, a friend of Miss Kinlaw, and they rode there together supposedly to buy a puppy."

Joye noted that Kinlaw was shot and then set on fire while inside the vehicle.

Authorities suspect Kinlaw was murdered as an act of retaliation over a prior homicide in Darlington County.

"Investigators are exploring the theory that Kinlaw was targeted in retaliation for a separate murder involving a family member in Darlington," Joye said.

"We believe there was a murder committed in Darlington County, which we made the arrest in Lake City that connects them to that arrest with Darlington County officials," Joye added.

Joye said investigators suspect that Kinlaw's son was involved in "some way, shape, or form, and we feel this is a retaliation to that murder."

Police arrested Thomas, 31, and Fleming on Jan. 22. They both were charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

Nikko Christopher Carraway, 31, was arrested Jan. 28 in connection with Kinlaw's killing, according to WPDE-TV.

Carraway was charged with murder, first-degree arson, and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

All three suspects are being held without bond at the Florence County Detention Center.

The Florence County Sheriff's Office stated the investigation is ongoing, and the suspects could face additional charges.

Citing court records, the New York Post reported that Thomas and Carraway have a "laundry list of criminal cases in Florence County dating back as far as 2014."

Thomas was hit with multiple attempted murder charges and violent armed robbery cases, according to the Post, which noted that Thomas was sentenced to nine months in prison last March for possessing a firearm as a convicted criminal.

The Florence County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to Blaze News' request for comment.

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Concealed carrier delivers swift justice when Chicago thugs allegedly approach him — and one pulls gun, demands his property

A concealed carrier wasted no time doling out justice when a pair of males allegedly attempted an armed robbery against him earlier this week.

Chicago police said a 39-year-old man was exiting his vehicle around 2:40 a.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Montana Street and Laramie Avenue in the city's Cragin neighborhood, WFLD-TV reported.

'So sick of thugs.'

With that, two males — Robert Cooks Jr., 23, and Teryon Pittman, 24 — approached him, and one of them pulled out a gun and demanded the victim's belongings, the station said.

Well, the victim wasn't having a bit of it.

Police said the CCL holder drew his own gun and fired multiple shots, striking Cooks in the legs, WFLD reported.

Cooks and Pittman both were charged with one felony count of armed robbery with a firearm, the station said.

Paramedics treated Cooks, after which he was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he was listed in good condition, WFLD said.

The station added that Pittman has faced criminal charges in Chicago three times since 2020, including two cases of domestic battery.

Teryon PittmanImage source: Chicago Police

Both suspects have a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday, WFLD noted.

A number of commenters under the station's Facebook post about the incident didn't hold back.

"Great job CCL holder," one commenter wrote.
"Too bad!!! Pew pew," another user exclaimed.
"So he faced 3 charges since 2020 and still roaming the streets?" another commenter asked. "The court system is sad."
"That's awesome," another user noted.
"So sick of thugs," another commenter lamented.

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Rioter bit off part of federal agent's finger amid Minneapolis 'rampant assault,' DHS says

President Donald Trump and Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin shared graphic images to social media Saturday evening apparently showing part of a Homeland Security Investigations officer's finger — in a jar.

McLaughlin said Minneapolis "rioters attacked our law enforcement officer and one of them bit off our HSI officer's finger."

'This avoidable tragedy is a result of the total failure of Minnesota’s city and state officials.'

"He will lose his finger," added McLaughlin.

One of the photographs appears to show a medic tending to an HSI officer who is missing the end of the fourth digit on his right hand. Another photo apparently shows the missing piece of the finger with its nail intact inside a plastic container.

The alleged incident — which U.S. Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) cited as the latest sign that Trump should invoke the Insurrection Act — came just hours after an armed 37-year-old Illinois native identified as Alex Pretti was fatally shot amid a struggle with federal agents.

Pretti's ex-wife told the Associated Press that he was a Democratic voter with a permit to carry a concealed firearm who previously took to the streets in 2020 to protest the death of George Floyd. Pretti's father, Michael Pretti, said he warned his son about protesting, telling him "do not engage, do not do anything stupid, basically."

The AP added that family members said Pretti was an intensive care nurse at a VA hospital who "cared deeply about people" and was upset by Trump’s "immigration crackdown in his city."

Photographer: Jaida Grey Eagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Department of Homeland security said its "law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault, an individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted."

Ilhan Omar, Democrats Demand ICE Leave Minnesota After Man Fatally Shot By Border Patrol

'Get ICE out of Minnesota NOW'

DHS: Armed suspect fatally shot by federal agent in Minneapolis; suspect 'violently resisted' disarming attempt

The Department of Homeland Security said an armed suspect was fatally shot Saturday by a federal agent in Minneapolis and that the suspect "violently resisted" a disarming attempt.

DHS indicated a firearm and two magazines were recovered.

'They have encouraged these reckless confrontations and attacks on our agents and officers.'

"At 9:05 AM CT, as DHS law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted operation in Minneapolis against an illegal alien wanted for violent assault, an individual approached US Border Patrol officers with a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun," DHS said.

"The officers attempted to disarm the suspect but the armed suspect violently resisted," DHS added. "Fearing for his life and the lives and safety of fellow officers, an agent fired defensive shots. Medics on scene immediately delivered medical aid to the subject but was pronounced dead at the scene."

DHS also said "the suspect also had 2 magazines and no ID — this looks like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement."

Gun that the Department of Homeland Security says fatally shot suspect was carrying Saturday in Minneapolis.Image source: Department of Homeland Security

"About 200 rioters arrived at the scene and began to obstruct and assault law enforcement on the scene, crowd control measures were deployed for the safety of the public and law enforcement," DHS also said.

Democrat Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as well as Democrat U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith of Minnesota seized on the shooting as another opportunity to demand the ouster of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from the Gopher State.

Walz, who indicated that he has spoken with the White House, stated, "Minnesota has had it. This is sickening. The President must end this operation. Pull the thousands of violent, untrained officers out of Minnesota. Now."

Klobuchar wrote, "To the Trump administration and the Republicans in Congress who have stood silent: Get ICE out of our state NOW."

"Another catastrophic shooting in Minneapolis by federal agents," wrote Smith. "ICE must leave now so MPD can secure the scene and do their jobs."

In the wake of the shooting, the Border Patrol Union suggested a shooting likely would have been defensive and condemned the incendiary rhetoric spread in recent weeks by politicians and the liberal media.

"Border Patrol agents are trained extremely well to protect themselves, their fellow agents, and innocent third parties. When a supposed 'peaceful' protester brings a weapon (such as a loaded handgun) and brandishes it, there are going to severe consequences and repercussions," said the union.

"We have pleaded with and warned the media and the politicians that their irresponsible, hate-filled and false rhetoric is going to get people unnecessarily hurt, or worse, killed when they portray our agents and officers as the aggressors," continued the union. "They have encouraged these reckless confrontations and attacks on our agents and officers who are performing their lawful duties and enforcing the laws that Congress has put on the books."

This is a developing story; updates may be added.

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Trump threatens Insurrection Act after ambushed ICE agent shoots illegal alien: 'Put an end to the travesty'

Despite their vilification by Democrat officials and an 8,000% increase in death threats, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents continue in Minneapolis and other dangerous sanctuary jurisdictions to make arrests — 70% of which are reportedly of criminal illegal aliens charged or convicted of a crime in the United States.

When attempting to make one such arrest on Wednesday evening, a federal law enforcement officer was savagely attacked not only by the illegal alien he was pursuing but by a pair of onlookers who apparently felt compelled to frustrate the administration of justice.

'Minnesota insurrection is a direct result of a FAILED governor and a TERRIBLE mayor encouraging violence.'

The incident resulted in an apparent defensive shooting, which radicals seized upon as yet another excuse to attack police, engage in wanton destruction, and altogether ramp up what the Department of Justice is now referring to as an "insurrection."

The shooting

The Department of Homeland Security indicated that around 6:50 p.m. local time, federal agents attempted to arrest an illegal alien from Venezuela. The suspect peeled away in his vehicle and fled the scene but ultimately crashed into a parked car.

While the suspect proceeded to take off running, an agent, who has been identified as an ICE officer by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commander Gregory Bovino, caught up with the Venezuelan in the 600 block of 24th Avenue North.

When the ICE officer attempted once again to make the arrest, "the subject began to resist and violently assault the officer," said the DHS.

Seeing the two men struggling on the ground, two individuals exited a nearby apartment and allegedly began attacking the officer with a shovel and a broom handle, enabling the illegal alien to break free.

The Venezuelan allegedly proceeded to use one of the two improvised hitting implements to strike the outnumbered officer.

Photo by Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Image

"Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired a defensive shot to defend his life," said the DHS.

The two alleged attackers and the Venezuelan — who sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the leg — reportedly barricaded themselves in the apartment but were ultimately flushed out. The illegal alien and the officer were taken to the hospital, and the two suspected attackers were placed in custody.

Minneapolis police were ultimately joined at the scene by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the FBI.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed that a broom and a snow shovel were found at the scene of the struggle and indicated "at least one person may have assaulted federal law enforcement."

The Minneapolis reflex

O'Hara indicated that in the wake of the struggle and shooting, a mob assembled and began "engaging in unlawful acts."

In addition to pelting law enforcement officers with incendiary devices, ice, rocks, and other projectiles, rioters ransacked and vandalized federal vehicles, videos showed.

Mayor Jacob Frey (D) wasted no time in fanning the flames, referring to ICE during a press conference on Wednesday night as an invading force that's supposedly rounding up American citizens.

"I've seen conduct from ICE that is disgusting and is intolerable," said Frey.

After demonizing ICE and championing anti-ICE protests, Frey suggested that radicals "taking the bait" weren't helping.

Gov. Tim Walz (D) also responded with mixed signals, characterizing federal agents as villains and recommending resistance but also suggesting that Minnesotans should remain peaceful.

"You're angry. I’m angry. Angry is not a strong enough word," Walz said in a video address on Wednesday night. "You are not powerless, you are not helpless, and you are certainly not alone. All across Minnesota people are learning about opportunities, not just to resist, but to help people who are in danger."

The Justice Department evidently saw the signal through the noise and accused the two Minnesota Democratic Party leaders of incitement.

"ICE operates in thousands of counties without incident. Men and women doing their jobs, protecting us from criminal aliens," said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. "Minnesota insurrection is a direct result of a FAILED governor and a TERRIBLE mayor encouraging violence against law enforcement. It's disgusting."

"Walz and Frey," continued Blanche. "I’m focused on stopping YOU from your terrorism by whatever means necessary. This is not a threat. It’s a promise."

President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday morning to invoke the Insurrection Act "if the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don't obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job."

Trump noted that many presidents have utilized the Insurrection Act of 1807 and that it would "quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great state."

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Armed, masked crooks trying to steal car encounter gun-toting homeowner, cops say — and the homeowner isn't playing around

Police said a Pennsylvania homeowner shot at a pair of would-be car thieves early Tuesday morning, wounding one of them, WPVI-TV reported.

The incident in the 200 block of 2nd Street in Catasauqua took place at 1 a.m., the station said. Catasauqua is a borough in Lehigh County that's about 15 minutes north of Allentown and just under an hour and a half north of Philadelphia.

'Good old-fashioned FAFO.'

Investigators told WPVI the homeowner fired the shots at the two males as they were trying to steal a vehicle. The males reportedly were wearing black masks, the station said, adding that police said one suspect had a knife, and the other was carrying a bar.

Both suspects — including the wounded male — ran away, the station said.

Police are searching local hospitals for patients with gunshot wounds, WPVI said.

The homeowner was not injured, the station said.

No charges have been filed, WPVI reported, adding that the incident remains under investigation.

Commenters under WPVI's Facebook post about the incident gave shoutouts to the homeowner who pulled the trigger:

"Hey, maybe the thieves will change their minds before they attempt to steal again!??" one commenter observed. "Kudos to the homeowner!!"
"Good job homeowner, do not charge this man for protecting his property," another user insisted.
"I love a story with a happy ending," another commenter quipped.
"Good," another user wrote before adding "get a cap in both their asses."
"Not everyone is an easy target, are they[?]" another commenter stated. "Good old-fashioned FAFO."

Others encouraged the homeowner to get more time at the gun range:

"Learn from it and just go to the range a few times," one user suggested. "Practice, practice, practice."
"Sounds like the homeowner needs more target practice," another commenter wrote. "The perp won’t have a chance to repeat the stupidity."
"A shame he only wounded one," another user said. "A couple of head shots would [have] been better."
"Excellent!" another commenter exclaimed. "Now, get to the range to make sure next time it's not just a wound."

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'You don't want this smoke': Philly DA and sheriff threaten ICE officers — DHS just laughs

Larry Krasner, the Philadelphia district attorney who was impeached in 2022 for "dereliction of duty and refusal to enforce the law upon assuming office," was among the leftists who condemned the fatal Jan. 7 shooting of anti-ICE activist Renee Nicole Macklin Good.

Multiple videos of the incident, including cellphone footage from the agent's perspective, show the 37-year-old Colorado native drive into a federal law enforcement officer after disobeying repeated orders to exit her vehicle. As Good accelerated into the ICE agent — who had been dragged hundreds of yards by a fleeing suspect during a previous ICE operation — the agent opened fire in self-defense.

During a press conference on Jan. 8, where officials held a moment of silence for Good, then engaged in a cultish chant of her name, Krasner claimed the ICE agent's actions were not only "unlawful" but amounted to a "criminal homicide" executed by a member of an agency that has supposedly taken a "Nazified approach to mass deportation."

'Do you hear me, ICE agents? Do you hear me, National Guard?'

Krasner — flanked by fellow anti-ICE radicals Aniqa Raihan of the group No ICE Philly and Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, the latter of whom claimed that ICE was "fake" law enforcement — not only complained about the ICE officer's decision to fire multiple shots but his location at the time of the vehicular attack.

According to Krasner, who referred to the incident in passing as a "murder," the officer's positioning in front of Good's speeding SUV was a "violation of police directives in almost every jurisdiction."

"Self-defense? So that is one layer of criminality," said Krasner.

Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

After characterizing the agent's act of self-defense as a crime, Krasner — who has spent years championing dangerous criminals — stated, "If any law enforcement agent, any ICE agent, is going to come to Philly to commit crimes, then you can get the eff out of here because if you do that here, I will charge you with those crimes. You will be arrested. You will stand trial. You will be convicted, whether it's in state or federal court."

"Donald Trump cannot pardon you for a state court conviction," continued Krasner. "Do you hear me, ICE agents? Do you hear me, National Guard? Do you hear me, military?"

Sheriff Bilal attempted to outdo Krasner's expression of contempt for federal law enforcement officers, stating, "If any [ICE agents] want to come in this city and commit a crime, you will not be able to hide, nobody will whisk you off."

"You don't want this smoke, 'cause we will bring it to you," threatened the sheriff whose crime-ridden city had 826 shootings in 2025.

Over the weekend, Krasner posted a picture of himself on social media with the acronym "FAFO," which stands for "f**k around, find out." The post was captioned, "To ICE and the National Guard: If you commit crimes in Philadelphia, we will charge you and hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

The post was quickly ratioed on X.

"Unlike criminals in Philadelphia who get their charges dropped by the DA," replied the National Police Association.

Mike Howell, president of the Oversight Project, noted, "The fullest extent of the state law would be nothing since they're Federal officials. Don't lose your bar license dude."

The Department of Homeland Security responded with multiple dismissive posts, noting, "Oh no! Anyway."

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Brown University Taps DEI Official To Restore 'Sense of Physical Security' on Campus

Brown University is launching a "campus-wide healing and recovery" initiative aimed at "ensuring a sense of physical security" following December's deadly shooting. Rather than tapping a psychologist or trauma specialist to lead the effort, the Ivy League school appointed Matthew Guterl, the vice president of Brown's Office of Diversity and Inclusion and professor of "Africana Studies."

The post Brown University Taps DEI Official To Restore 'Sense of Physical Security' on Campus appeared first on .

'Ding-dong ditch' prank ends with homeowner firing multiple rounds at car — and juvenile passenger getting shot, cops say

Yet another "ding-dong ditch" prank has gone wrong — this time over the weekend in North Carolina.

The Iredell County Sheriff's Office said deputies were conducting a traffic stop on Taylorsville Highway when they heard multiple gunshots coming from a nearby neighborhood around 11:20 p.m. Saturday.

'So what are these kids going to be charged with??'

Within two minutes, deputies were in the area of Absher Farm Loop to locate the origin of the gunfire, officials said.

While responding, Iredell County Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a person with a gunshot wound on Castle Pines Drive, located within the same neighborhood, officials said.

Arriving deputies located an unoccupied vehicle stopped in the road with its passenger doors open, broken glass on the ground, and apparent bullet holes in the vehicle, officials said.

Deputies found a group of juveniles in a nearby field, one of whom was on the ground with a gunshot wound to the leg, officials said.

Iredell County EMS responded to the scene and took the wounded juvenile to Wake Forest Baptist Hospital for emergency medical treatment, officials said.

Deputies learned the juveniles were traveling through the neighborhood when an unknown person fired a gun at their vehicle, officials said, adding that one round entered the vehicle and struck the victim in the leg.

During the investigation, an individual approached deputies and identified himself as the shooter, officials said.

Image source: Iredell County (N.C.) Sheriff's Office

Craig Steven Mason told investigators loud noises coming from a neighboring residence awakened him, after which he retrieved a handgun, went outside to investigate, saw a vehicle driving through the neighborhood with no headlights on, and fired multiple rounds toward the vehicle as it passed. Officials said the vehicle was struck four times, with one round striking the juvenile passenger.

Detectives also determined the juveniles were in the neighborhood engaging in a prank commonly referred to as “ding-dong ditch,” involving ringing doorbells and knocking on doors before running away, officials said.

Detectives determined the juvenile victims had not approached Mason’s residence, only nearby homes, officials added.

Detectives obtained arrest warrants for Mason on the following charges, officials said: felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, four counts of felony assault with a deadly weapon, and felony discharging a weapon into an occupied vehicle causing serious bodily injury.

Mason was arrested Monday and issued no bond, officials said, adding that bond will be determined upon his appearance before a District Court Judge.

The wounded juvenile remained hospitalized as of Monday and was receiving medical treatment, officials said, adding that as the investigation continues, additional charges may be forthcoming.

Legal experts told the Charlotte Observer that ding-dong ditch participants also can face charges ranging from criminal trespass to disorderly conduct.

The Facebook post from the sheriff's office has attracted hundreds of comments, and many are critical of the homeowner:

"A gun comes with responsibility," one commenter stated. "Can’t have one without the other."
"Maybe the kids were in the wrong, but at least they weren’t doing drugs or drinking. Just having some fun," another user wrote. "Apparently this gentleman did not bother to study gun regulations and rules. Unfortunately for him he is in serious trouble. If you plan to own a firearm please understand the rules and regulations pertaining to self defense. These guys could have been leaving a friends house and just had not cut their lights on and had nothing to do with knocking on the door. Be smart and safe out there."
"I hate ding-dong-ditch, but that man had no business firing at the car like that," another commenter declared. "Totally irresponsible."
"Yeah, this was not an act of defense," another user said. "This was an act from annoyance."

Others directed their criticisms elsewhere:

"Parents, explain to your kids that the days of jerking people around with their pranks are over," another commenter said. "People are armed and might not be clear on what the rules of engagement are. Take the time to explain the dangers when you might not know who’s going to respond and how they might respond. Simple fix."
"I guess they ding donged and found the F out," another user wrote.
"I think the teenagers got exactly what they deserved," another commenter stated. "Maybe next time they'll think before doing something stupid."
"So what are these kids going to be charged with??" another user asked.

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Woman thought she was buying a puppy — instead she's lured into an ambush, shot, set on fire in likely revenge killing: Cops

Concealed carrier delivers swift justice when Chicago thugs allegedly approach him — and one pulls gun, demands his property

Rioter bit off part of federal agent's finger amid Minneapolis 'rampant assault,' DHS says

DHS: Armed suspect fatally shot by federal agent in Minneapolis; suspect 'violently resisted' disarming attempt

Trump threatens Insurrection Act after ambushed ICE agent shoots illegal alien: 'Put an end to the travesty'

The shooting

The Minneapolis reflex

Armed, masked crooks trying to steal car encounter gun-toting homeowner, cops say — and the homeowner isn't playing around

'You don't want this smoke': Philly DA and sheriff threaten ICE officers — DHS just laughs

Brown University Taps DEI Official To Restore 'Sense of Physical Security' on Campus

'Ding-dong ditch' prank ends with homeowner firing multiple rounds at car — and juvenile passenger getting shot, cops say

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The shooting

The Minneapolis reflex

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