Manager intervenes

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Last updated on August 5th, 2017 at 04:09 am

A robbery averted:

Bill Barnes says he was scratching off a losing $2 lottery ticket inside a gas station when he felt a hand slip into his front-left pants pocket, where he had $300 in cash.

He immediately grabbed the person’s wrist with his left hand and started throwing punches with his right, landing six or seven blows before a store manager intervened.

“I guess he thought I was an easy mark,” Barnes, 72, told The Grand Rapids Press for a story Tuesday.

He’s an ex-Marine, former Golden Gloves boxer, and a retired iron worker. The thief may as well have thrown himself in front of freeway traffic.

Posted by Tim B. on 06/27/2007 at 12:09 PM
    1. I hope I’m as tough when I’m 72. Damn it,I hope I’m as tough now.

      Posted by flying pigs over mecca on 2007 06 27 at 12:25 PM • permalink

 

    1. Mr. Barnes is a tough man, being a former Marine and all.

      The only “ex-Marine” that I know of is John “Full Retreat” Murtha.  He ain’t anywhere near the same class as Mr. Barnes.

      Posted by The_Real_JeffS on 2007 06 27 at 12:34 PM • permalink

 

    1. There’s a lesson to be learned from those who are older and wiser here… Safety first!

      Before throwing yourself in front of freeway traffic, look both ways and use your turning indicator.

      Posted by splice on 2007 06 27 at 12:38 PM • permalink

 

    1. I think Heinlein said it best, in The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress:  “Never tease an old dog, they might still have one bite left.”

      Elizabeth
      Imperial Keeper

      Posted by Elizabeth Imperial Keeper on 2007 06 27 at 12:42 PM • permalink

 

    1. Further in the story…

      Kent County sheriff’s deputies said the store manager quickly came around the counter. The three of them struggled through the front door, where two witnesses said the manager slammed Rae to the ground and held him there.

      “There was blood everywhere,” said another manager on duty, Abby Ostrom, 25.

      Sometimes someone will say, “You should see the other guy.”  In this case, I think I would.

      Posted by Apostic on 2007 06 27 at 12:54 PM • permalink

 

    1. I hope this terrible man is arrested forthwith for assaulting this unfortunate fellow who is doubtless “depraved ‘cuz he was deprived.”  What would happen if everyone took it on himself to apprehend and pummel society’s victims?

      /sarcasm

      Posted by Jeffersonian on 2007 06 27 at 12:55 PM • permalink

 

    1. Jesse Daniel Rae, the 27-year-old Newaygo County man accused of trying to pick Barnes’ pocket, was arraigned Monday in Rockford District Court on one count of unarmed robbery, a 15-year felony.

      I’m rapidly beginning to think that the name “Jesse” is synonymous with “idiot”.

      Posted by Ash_ on 2007 06 27 at 12:58 PM • permalink

 

    1. Good for him.

      Posted by Mr. Bingley on 2007 06 27 at 01:00 PM • permalink

 

    1. There you all go, setting yourselves up as judge, jury and executioner! This is exactly the kind of stuff that MW jumps on. Aren’t you overlooking the perfectly logical possibility that Jesse Rae was actually trying to put money into Mr. Barnes’ pocket, you know, maybe make a donation to the Marine Corps Association?

      Posted by paco on 2007 06 27 at 01:09 PM • permalink

 

    1. Semper Fi, Sir.

      Posted by El Cid on 2007 06 27 at 01:15 PM • permalink

 

    1. 9.

      Aren’t you overlooking the perfectly logical possibility that Jesse Rae was actually trying to put money into Mr. Barnes’ pocket, you know, maybe make a donation to the Marine Corps Association?

      Heh, see also an old Red Skelton gag.  Caught with his hand in the pocket of another man’s coat, Skelton’s character says, “I’m just trying to keep my hand warm.”  And then when asked why he has his hand on the guy’s wallet, he replies, “There’s nothing warmer than leather.”

      Posted by Apostic on 2007 06 27 at 01:15 PM • permalink

 

    1. There is no such thing as an “Ex-Marine.”  A Marine is a Marine for life.

      Posted by Hucbald on 2007 06 27 at 01:26 PM • permalink

 

    1. 1.  former Marine
      2.  iron worker
      3.  former Golden Gloves boxer

yup, all three strikes at once…Jesse….

yyyyuuuurrrrr OUTTA here!!!

Posted by Old Tanker on 2007 06 27 at 01:27 PM • permalink

 

    1. Now that I think about it, he’s lucky he didn’t get his neck broken……

      Posted by Old Tanker on 2007 06 27 at 01:33 PM • permalink

 

    1. Stories like that just warm the cockles of my heart.  That’ll teach the little bastard to pick on somebody his own age.

      Posted by RebeccaH on 2007 06 27 at 01:36 PM • permalink

 

    1. Jezz, just look at the guy’s photo.  He looks like he could chew nails and crap steel bars.

      I’ll always take the Marine in that fight.

      Posted by Tex Lovera on 2007 06 27 at 01:41 PM • permalink

 

    1. “Jeez”.

      PIMF!!

      Posted by Tex Lovera on 2007 06 27 at 01:43 PM • permalink

 

    1. Were any doors injured in the confrontation?

      Posted by andycanuck on 2007 06 27 at 01:43 PM • permalink

 

    1. Hate to think what would have happened to that punk if he’d tried that when the marine was only 70.Well ,not really.It’s kind of fun to think about actually.

      Posted by greene on 2007 06 27 at 01:55 PM • permalink

 

    1. A mugger? Hell, that ain’t nothin’!

      Posted by paco on 2007 06 27 at 02:04 PM • permalink

 

    1. #20: Oh, and naturally: “Everhart was given a ticket for failing to secure his camp site”

      Posted by paco on 2007 06 27 at 02:06 PM • permalink

 

    1. #20 You Americans sure are built tough, Paco!

      Posted by Ash_ on 2007 06 27 at 02:07 PM • permalink

 

    1. #22: Pioneers always are, Ash; just like you Aussies.

      BTW, the bear story is via Ace of Spades, who embellishes it to hilarious effect (caution: language may not be safe for work).

      Posted by paco on 2007 06 27 at 02:25 PM • permalink

 

    1. Did he get in a boot to the ribs when the punk went down?

      Posted by mojo on 2007 06 27 at 02:29 PM • permalink

 

    1. paco,  notice once again that they used the term “ex-marine” rather than former marine.  Some of these reporters need to join the military.  And great, the guy got a ticket.  They probably didn’t even let him keep the bear…….

      I wonder if he would have gotten the ticket if a racoon had gotten into his cooler…..

      Posted by Old Tanker on 2007 06 27 at 02:32 PM • permalink

 

    1. #23 I really, really like the way Ace of Spades told the tale Paco. I bet they’re right that the kids will behave now too.

      Posted by Ash_ on 2007 06 27 at 02:32 PM • permalink

 

    1. #23

      I’m thinking there are three little boys by the last name of Everhart who will not be presenting Dad with any disciplinary problems into the foreseeable future.

      No-one taking on the old man here….

      Posted by Old Tanker on 2007 06 27 at 02:34 PM • permalink

 

    1. #25 (and #27, too, for that matter): Too true, Old Tanker, too true.

      Posted by paco on 2007 06 27 at 02:36 PM • permalink

 

    1. The best line of the story was Mr. Barnes saying he didn’t want to have to go home and tell his wife he’d had his pocket picked and lost all that money. Maybe she’s a Marine, too.

      Posted by Retread on 2007 06 27 at 03:51 PM • permalink

 

    1. Locally a female gas station manager chased off a thief with an aluminum baesball bat. Further north two liquor store owners shot a would-be robber, who was subsequently captured after he collapsed because of his wounds.

      Posted by mythusmage on 2007 06 27 at 04:18 PM • permalink

 

    1. #27: Just remember in re:the bear thief, that the 6 year old went after the bear w/ a shovel. Former Marine or not, I’d check the kid’s hands before sending him to his room.

      #29 Retread: Only thing worse than messing w/ military men is messing w/ military wives.

      Posted by brett_l on 2007 06 27 at 04:20 PM • permalink

 

    1. This has been out there a while, but it’s a good example of the general theme. Video and audio of 911 call, grandmother shoots intruder, shoots him again, voice of 911 operator (talking to the grandaughter) saying, “She needs to stop shooting him”.

      Posted by paco on 2007 06 27 at 04:44 PM • permalink

 

    1. The ex-marine,boxer and iron worker should have given the poor unfortunate thief the money.

      The thief probably had a sad childhood or something, and therefore is entitled to STEAL!!!

      Be fair!

      Posted by Dave Wane on 2007 06 27 at 05:37 PM • permalink

 

    1. My dad is a former marine and turns 60 this year.  I’d put my money on him anyday. Loved, loved this story.

      Posted by ladcraig on 2007 06 27 at 06:16 PM • permalink

 

    1. Only thing worse than messing w/ military men is messing w/ military wives

      Spill, brett. There’s got to be a story behind a comment like that.

      Posted by SwinishCapitalist on 2007 06 27 at 06:18 PM • permalink

 

    1. Video and audio of 911 call, grandmother shoots intruder, shoots him again, voice of 911 operator (talking to the grandaughter) saying, “She needs to stop shooting him”.

      But…that’s the way the girls are down in Texas.

      Posted by Jeffersonian on 2007 06 27 at 06:27 PM • permalink

 

    1. Swinish, my friend. Was just asking about you the other evening. Glad to see you.

      Posted by El Cid on 2007 06 27 at 06:37 PM • permalink

 

    1. There was this one too.

      Posted by Latino on 2007 06 27 at 06:50 PM • permalink

 

    1. Yeah, hello again Cid! I have been around, but not able to post as frequently as before – limited access in the new job. How’s yourself?

      Posted by SwinishCapitalist on 2007 06 27 at 06:50 PM • permalink

 

    1. Bill Barnes says he was scratching off a losing $2 lottery ticket inside a gas station

      My God, I thought Australia was bad enough. But selling scratchies at a servo?
      Hold me up!

      Posted by Bonmot on 2007 06 27 at 06:50 PM • permalink

 

    1. The attack happened the same weekend that an 11-year-old boy was killed by a black bear while camping in a forest in Utah. Sam Ives was found mauled to death after he was pulled screaming from his tent in the Uinta National Forest, about 30 miles southeast of Salt Lake City.

      Authorities said it was the first recorded fatal attack by a black bear in that state. His family said there was no food in the tent to attract a bear.

      Sad postscript.  They were wrong though about there being no “food” in the tent – from the bear’s point of view, anyway.

      Posted by peter m on 2007 06 27 at 06:54 PM • permalink

 

    1. Not to damn bad, Swinish. I’m still dabbing a tad of Bombay on after shaving, after the screaming stops, it has an allure to it, for the ladies. Thanks for the tip…:).

      Posted by El Cid on 2007 06 27 at 07:00 PM • permalink

 

    1. Glad to help, Cid. Are those ducks still giving you static at the golf course?

      Posted by SwinishCapitalist on 2007 06 27 at 07:08 PM • permalink

 

    1. The ducks nahhhh. Funny it seemed to have stopped, when all of a sudden, I developed a duck hook.

      Ball starts out straight, then takes a sudden left. Bills, feathers and feet all over hell.

      Posted by El Cid on 2007 06 27 at 07:37 PM • permalink

 

    1. Completely O/T, but I thought y’all might enjoy some wacky Afghan AC130 antics!.

      The only thing that’d be better than this would be seeing Mullah Omar have his turban peeled off by some shiela in fishnets then be repeatedly slapped on the top of his baldy head by a bloke wearing a bus conductors hat sideways.

      Posted by Habib on 2007 06 27 at 08:19 PM • permalink

 

    1. I use to fly gliders with an old bloke called Bill,I think he was the oldest glider pilot in Australia.He was a Foward Observer in WW2,he would crawl forward under fire of the Japs to call in fire support.He hated the Japanese right up until the day he died,would not shake hands,talk even look at them when Japanese pilots were around,Everyone would say “come on Bill”. He would just grunt and look away.We used to talk alot and he would tell me about the war,I geuss coming across Aussie soldiers stripped hanging upside down being made ready to be eaten would harden your outlook on life i geuss. He was a tough grumpy old barstard, we called him john wayne because he loked like john wayne and you could not tell him anything,He would always say “Women,Kids and dogs have got no place being at a Gliding club”He was coming in to land one day in a club lebelle and decided that an instrument was more important than watching where he was going, He clipped a tree and ground looped,Everyone was, SHIT poor old Bill has gone west,When they got to him he was abusing the instrument,his shoulder smashed out one side of the cockpit and his knee the other.He was fine just a limp,the fiberglass glider was fucked,Until the day he died you could not tell him “No Bill you justed fucked up”. it was always that instrument

      Posted by sparrow on 2007 06 27 at 08:25 PM • permalink

 

    1. Not in Victoria you don’t.

      This appeared in the news yesterday.

      A Melbourne man has been charged after he allegedly fired a shot through the front door of his Geelong East home to scare off burglars.

      A number of people broke into the man’s home and cut the power.

      The 43-year-old man was inside with a woman and a young girl.

      He armed himself with a rifle and allegedly fired one shot through the front door towards the attempted burglars who fled the scene.

      Police recovered the rifle and charged the man with conduct endangering life and firearm offences.

      A group of them and they cut the power, he was inside with two girls, one a minor, so he fired a warning shot. Conduct endangering life. The lesson learnt is: if you have to defend yourself with violence in your own home then make sure the only way the buggers leave is wrapped in carpet.

      Posted by HC44 on 2007 06 27 at 08:28 PM • permalink

 

    1. #2, TRJ:

      Afik, the official list of x-Marines is:

      1. Lee Harvey Oswald
      2. Scott Ritter
      3. Jack Murtha.

      Posted by Grimmy on 2007 06 27 at 09:04 PM • permalink

 

    1. # 33 Dave Wane

      It’s not stealing, it’s personal socialism.

      Posted by Rob Read on 2007 06 27 at 09:25 PM • permalink

 

    1. #45, Habib:  Completely O/T, but I thought y’all might enjoy some wacky Afghan AC130 antics!.

      The only things missing were the stockings and garter belts!

      Posted by Bruce Lagasse on 2007 06 27 at 09:56 PM • permalink

 

    1. #48—Grimmy—I understand Webb has applied.

      Posted by richard mcenroe on 2007 06 27 at 10:13 PM • permalink

 

    1. #45: AC-130 and Benny Hill: absolutely awesome combination, Habib!

      Posted by paco on 2007 06 27 at 10:15 PM • permalink

 

    1. #47:
      Does this guy have a legal defense fund set up yet? I’ll give.#35 Swinish:
      Just a hunch.

      #32:
      I love it. God Bless Texas. You know I wouldn’t be telling Grandma she needs to be doing anything when she’s got herself worked up into a shootin’ mood. She’ll quit when the magazine’s empty or she’s shot her fill.

      Posted by brett_l on 2007 06 27 at 10:43 PM • permalink

 

    1. #48 Another for the list Grimmy: Charles Whitman

      Posted by lingus4 on 2007 06 27 at 10:52 PM • permalink

 

    1. #47 Believed to be selective reporting—part of a bikie gang dispute. The homeowner is not “Mr Squeaky Clean”.

      Posted by BIWOZ on 2007 06 28 at 01:09 AM • permalink

 

    1. #32 “She needs to stop shooting him”.

      Didn’t sound to me like she was out of ammo and he was still breathing, so that cease fire thing was a little premature.

      Posted by SwampWoman on 2007 06 28 at 01:45 AM • permalink

 

    1. The Left has called for the ex-marine to be jailed for not engaging in a meaningful dialogue with his attacker….

      Posted by Fast Eddie on 2007 06 28 at 02:58 AM • permalink

 

    1. IT is true, Texas women have been known to be a tough lot.  My best friend’s grandmother was one such.  We called her Mama Knuckles, because she always carried a set of brass knuckles in her purse. And believe me brother, she would not hesitate to use them either. Nice lady. Wicked right jab.
      Talking about cantankerous old WWII vets, I had a neighbor growing up who’d been an infantry paratrooper with the 82nd ABN.  He’d slugged it out through the Benelux and across Germany.  I remember how he’d sit in a lawn chair, way back inside his garage, sitting in the shadows drinking beer and watching. I used to think how strange and creepy that was.  Funny thing is now I feel like doing the exact same thing.

      Posted by Texas Bob on 2007 06 28 at 04:35 AM • permalink

 

    1. Who says insurgencies cannot be defeated by force?
      After their military defeat by regular forces, the occupied population produced terrorists who engaged in bombings, sniping, poisonings, and other attacks on occupation forces and on the civilian population. They operated as irregulars in small terror units, armed with automatic weapons and bazookas.
      Women and minors as young as eight participated in the terror attacks. They attempted to build weapons of mass destruction, using chemical poisons. They assassinated officials of the occupation regime. They had a special obsession with torturing and murdering “collaborators.” They murdered hundreds of civilians, while thousands of the terrorists themselves were killed by the occupation armed forces. The occupiers responded to terror with brutality and force, sometimes using collective punishment.
      The above does not refer to or describe the anti-American and anti-British terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nor does it describe Palestinian terrorism against Israel launched from the West Bank and Gaza.
      What it does refer to is the campaign of terrorism directed against Allied forces in Europe in the aftermath of the defeat of Nazi Germany.

      Posted by blogstrop on 2007 06 28 at 07:22 AM • permalink

 

    1. More self defense, from a citizen who refused to be a helpless victim.

      Posted by paco on 2007 06 28 at 09:30 AM • permalink

 

    1. #46:  My dad was a Forward Artillery Observer, 29th Division, WWII.  He didn’t like the Germans, but he couldn’t STAND the French.

      Elizabeth
      Imperial Keeper

      Posted by Elizabeth Imperial Keeper on 2007 06 28 at 09:40 AM • permalink

 

    1. #58 Would it be wrong of me to enjoy and entertain the thought of you doing the exact same thing to the “grandparent” in question?

      I’m told that I’m the jealous type.

      Posted by Ash_ on 2007 06 28 at 02:23 PM • permalink

 

    1. BTW, video of the pickpocket beatdown is up now:

      http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=113_1183041752

      Posted by Ernst Blofeld on 2007 06 28 at 03:41 PM • permalink

 

    1. #63 Ernst: Saw it a little earlier in the day. The old guy really whomped the crap out of the pickpocket, didn’t he? Those flying fists look like pile-drivers.

      Posted by paco on 2007 06 28 at 04:39 PM • permalink

 

  1. To El Cid’s Semper Fi, I add ooh-rah.

    Posted by MissM on 2007 06 28 at 10:05 PM • permalink