Seriously! I like how they slipped that in at the very end.

Wow her neighbors would not help?!?!? Anyone else here think that is screwed up???!!!???!!???

@Rockyroad

Welcome to America!

@Rockyroad- I would imagine she does't actually know the neighbors and they may not have known it wasn't a domestic situation. In a situation like this, if I didn't know the neighbor I wouldn't have helped either, simply because you are potentially putting yourself on the wrong side of the law.

A Connecticut woman confronted an intruder, chased him out her her home and held him down until police arrived.

I love this story... ☺

Didn't want to get involved??!! Wake up America, this is the same reason we had the shooting at Ft. Hood, Jared Loughner, James Holmes, and others.

The person(s) who called 911 at the very least got the police involved. 25 prior arrests shows only Rivera is another example of someone who continually has slipped through the cracks.

DANG! 25 priors? What the hell is wrong with Connecticut? 25? Good grief.

Oh if he had it me with a 2x4 - I would have found a great big rock.

We have gone over that PC bridge way too many times!

There's no doubt this guy is a scumbag and a drain on society and it's infuriating that he is not already locked up, but unfortunately arrests are not the same as convictions. Additionally, the classification of the crime may be a factor - misdemeanor vs. felony. I routinely review background checks and only convictions can be considered.

Hey, Rocky, I agree with you. It's messed up that her neighbors didn't help. At least they called 911.

natedom, not all of us are that way. I understand people's reluctance to 'get involved.' Still, there are plenty of folks still out there that will not only help their neighbors, but who know and care about them as well.

It's high time we all agree to change some of those laws and protect innocent citizens instead of criminals.

Pauline, awesome job! Thanks for sending the message that we're going to fight back if you invade our homes. And we WILL do what is necessary to catch you and send you to jail!!

Unfortantely, arrests are not convictions, although you would have to think there were a couple in there.

That is what you call motherly instincts for sure. Pauline is a brave woman. However, this could have turned out really badly for her. I'm glad it didn't. Next time, just call the police and keep your distance from bad people. You never ever know how desperate or crazy they are.

As a coward, you must die a thousand deaths every day!

dam! good for her!52 and running through yards,hit with a board and she still got him.love these stories.

Excellent story. I love to hear when a victim turns the tables unexpectedly on a perp. Especially a woman against a seasoned scumbag perp dude. Heh heh.

25 prior arrests kind of give it away that a woman can take down a man after being whacked by a 2 x 4. It leans toward the fact that he can't fight anyway and gives up.

If my wife were like this woman, I wouldn't worry so much when she's out shopping etc...

She sure has some "Bragg-ing" rights now!

What kind of pisses me off here is that nobody would help her. WTF is wrong with people. If it were me looking out at this, it would give me a great opportunity to kick the @!$%# out of a perp before cops got there. It's been awhile.

Don't mess with momma bear! Way to go mom!

With all those priors I would expect he should receive a life sentence, but then we'll have some bleeding heart lawyer plead that the nature and scope of his crime doesn't deserve a life sentence, completely ignoring the 25 prior arrests that I assume resulted in at least a few convictions. I wonder if he's one of those illegals that enjoys Connecticut's sanctuary mentality which would explain why he isn't already in prison.

I find it disgusting that some of you find it acceptable that the neighbors saw this happening and didn't get involved. Even if it were a domestic dispute - don't you think once someone saw him hit her with a 2x4 that they might get involved? I fear for the safety of my wife and future kids with spineless people like you in this world. Get a pair, drop the PC business, and do what's right. This woman did.

This wonderful woman needs to post a sign in her front yard: My neighbors are cowards. Don't worry, they won't do anything. They've already proved what they are.

Good for her for taking down this thug!

Trolls: Why must you insert your inane remarks about politics? I guess that's what makes you trolls.

He wouldn't have been able to run out of my house. My 44 is for home defense and I'm not afraid to use it. It's about time we start fighting back against these thugs who think they can just walk into our homes and help themselves.

Wow. 25 prior offenses and this guy is still alive? I'm surprised someone hasn't taken him out yet.

With neighbors like that who needs relatives. LMAO!!!! I would put a sign in my yard saying None of my neighbors have weapons please help yourself, I will not use mine to deter. Neighborly love!!!!

Why hasn't that been put to good use in this man's case?

because the judicial system is a joke.

Good Job Girl!

SHAME ON ALL OF YOUR NEIGHBORS THO! Sure hope that they never need another's help and have the other turn away too.

SHAME ON THEM!

“All of a sudden, he said. 'I don't want to be with you anymore,' like trying to make it sound like it was domestic violence, like I was a crazy woman trying to keep her man,” said Bragg.

------- This guy should get a reduced sentence based on that alone. Hilarious.

I dont think it was that the neigbors were democrats....because republicans are just as bad! They both are corrupt, uncaring, lying, fake, selfish people! (I've sided with republicans for 19 years...no longer)

The problem is there is NO unity in America! For example, in other countries, people stand together! There is a sense of nationalism. Here in the States...we stood together for 20 minutes on 9/11...then lashed out at other Americans who appeared different (indian, arab, middle eastern). We choose who we feel are "acceptable" Americans..and they need to appear as white clean cut people! If they appear any different, we want their heads on a stick!

With that said, these neighbors were probably thinking..."You're on your own". Its sad!

Even if the neighbors did not want to help restrain the dirbag, they could have come out and simply stood with her. While I am glad she is alright, I am certain she is disappointed to learn that she lives among cowards. You cannot allow scum to enter your homes without fear! If you steal from my neighbor you are stealing from me!

Glad it worked out for her, sometimes it's the dangerous thing to do. I get it though, because she stated she didn't have time to think, she just reacted. These punks / thugs will soon learn that we are damn tired of this nonsense. My 9MM makes me equal to any man should he get the silly arse notion maybe I have something he thinks is his for the taking.

About a week ago, about 15 miles away, there were 3 idiots who decided to break into the home of a 90 yr old war veterans' home. Kicked in the door to the basement & proceeded to climb the stairs. Well Mr. Veteran was at the top of the steps with his rifle & just started firing away. All 3 cowards fled, of course. The police came & about a half hour later they found a car parked about a couple miles away with the 3 guys in it. One was dead, took a hit & bled all the way out of that basement. The other two were just in shock, and in need of some new underwear! The interview with the Vet was priceless, he held nothing back as to what he thinks about where this country is heading. Oh, & he also looked at the camera & said..... Now, anyone else out there who wants to kick my door down, bring it on, I'll be waiting.

Way to go dear...kicked his ASS! I'll bet her kid doesn't get out of line much.

According to police, Rivera has 25 prior arrests.

20 arrests ago they should have walked this guy out behind the court house and put a bullet in his head.

How about deporting his sorry butt???

@2-sense - I realize there are still people who know their neighbors, I have lived in my house for all of 9 months and know my neighbors, if I were to see something happening to them or their property I would do what I could to stop it. However, if I see two people I don't know run through my yard, one chasing the other, I am not going to jump in and help the person who appears to have the upper-hand, simply because I do not know the situation. Would you feel the same way had it been two men you didn't know? Would you still then be calling the neighbors cowards? There are instances where women are very abusive towards men. Do you honestly believe you should simply jump in and help a woman simply because she is a woman, even if she appears to be beating a man?

"Why must you insert your inane remarks about politics?"

♪♫Welcome back, my friends, 2 the show that never ends.

We're so glad U could attend.

Come inside. Come inside.♪♫

♪♫Baby, although I chose this lonely life

it seems it's strangling me now.

All the wild men, big cigars, gigantic car.

They're all laughing at the lie.

Oh, I've been used ohh

I've been a fool oh, what a fool.

I broke all the rules, oh yeah.

But I must let the show go on!♪♫

;-)

"You don't mess will obammy voters."

♪♫Step right up! And don't B shy.

'Cuz U will not believe your eyes.

She's right here, behind the glass.

You're gonna like her, 'cuz she's got class.♪♫

;-)

She was very foolish and lucky that she was not killed or hurt. Wait until the ACLU sues her and takes her house for assaulting the child!! Couldn't happen, google the business owner that was sued when a thief fell though a skylight. The perp could have been being initiated into a gang and no telling what or who was waiting around the corner. The toughest cop would not blindly chase a fleeing felon without being armed to the teeth. They will not even give you a ticket for J walking without a bullet- proof vest, 2 or 3 guns, a knife, tazzer, batton, and radio back-up!! Who would blame them.?? Like I said, you do not know what your are dealing with...Brain Terry was killed in such a way.

It would be great to know how long it took the cops to show up after being called....When need one, the police are only a donut and 30 minutes away!!

Texas Grace, that's 25 arrests not convictions. Big difference. Anyone can be accused of a crime.

"Wait until the ACLU sues her and takes her house for assaulting the child!!"

Where does this article state the age of the perp? It mentions her age at 52 & her teenage son.....

I think Creek Dog said it all..... and thanks to most everyone else!

Throw the book at him. No matter what ethnicity or Race he is. I am glad for this woman getting National attention. Now other criminal's know she will fight back. I live near a few older women. And if they needed help. You bet I would help. Its called responsibility. As a man we are supposed to step in. At least that is what my Hispanic Legal / Native American father taught me.

When I was a kid a neighbor was beating up his own mom. He had a knife as well. Had not used it yet. We all heard her scream for help. My dad ran across the street. Took the guys knife away. And beat the crap out the guy. While my Mom called the cops. I was young about the second grade.

When the cops got there they arrested the guy. And let my dad come right back home. Small town And a long time ago.

Safest and friendliest neighborhood I ever lived in was also the poorest, people from middle class and wealthier neighborhoods don't know how to interact, just look at all the articles about how our youth have no social skills.

As Bragg pinned Rivera down, she called out to neighbors for help, but said no one offered to assist her.

Sad situation. People don't want to get involved, then they call the cops (which of course people should do tho, whether they decide to help too or not), then they blame the cops when they make a mistake, and/or have to use violence against a criminal.

natedom

@Rockyroad- I would imagine she does't actually know the neighbors and they may not have known it wasn't a domestic situation. In a situation like this, if I didn't know the neighbor I wouldn't have helped either, simply because you are potentially putting yourself on the wrong side of the law.

You would see a man hitting a woman with a 2x4 but you wouldn't help? What difference does it make whether it was domestic violence or not? I was victim of domestic violence (he is now an ex), and I remember once I ran outside the house (with the ex running after me) and my neighbor got out of his house and was waiting on his porch the whole time in case he needed to help me. He wasn't afraid of "putting himself on the wrong side of the law". I will always be grateful to that man for this, eventho fortunately he didn't have to get involved as when the ex saw him he calmed down pretty quickly.

pixie1

Texas Grace, that's 25 arrests not convictions. Big difference. Anyone can be accused of a crime.

Get real. You may get arrested once or twice by mistake, but 25 times? Anyways, we know that he was arrested at least once for a good reason don't we?

Amen!!Patches Pal, You said it well....And you know what? I am a old Patches Pal too......J.P. taught us right from wrong.... .R.I.P. J.P......

If she posts a sign on her lawn about her neighbors non-action, as some posters recommend, they will go to court to get her to take it down.

I just hope that this time the intruder actually gets jail time. (We don't know how many of his 25 arrests ended with convictions.) Even if he had been romantically involved, as the perp claims, it seems like he had been banished from the home.

3 strikes, your out in my state means violent crimes, not robberies. Of course, if he is convicted in this case, he should have strike one.

You'd be surprised at how some people look at help , I was working on a job when I noticed a man kicking a large woman who was lying on the ground , when I went over and yelled at him to try to kick me like that the woman yelled at me and told me to mind my own goddamned business !! So I did ! dumb bitch !

It's too bad she didn't have a .45 close-by and before he got out the door he was filled with lead. I don't know about Conn. but in OK it would have been considered very legal. I too am disappointed that the neighbors (I don't care whether they knew her or not) didn't at least ask questions, and if American Communist Lovers Union attempts to sue her, I would hope the judge not only throws the case out but hits them with a hefty fine for tying up legal system.

Way to go mom. JP youth has never had social skills. Their either full of piss and vinegar or insecure wimps. But not to worry, they like us will grow up.

Wanna bet on his immigration status? Bet a dollar against a doughnut hole he's an illegal.

She has no neighbors...just people who live nearby.

Johnm-1308966

You'd be surprised at how some people look at help , I was working on a job when I noticed a man kicking a large woman who was lying on the ground , when I went over and yelled at him to try to kick me like that the woman yelled at me and told me to mind my own goddamned business !! So I did ! dumb bitch !

Good for you, and I salute you for trying to help. You did the right thing, but obviously that idiot didn't mind getting kicked. I just hope you won't conclude that all women would react that way, that was just a stupid one.

right-on, now if the(stupid) system do they're job, this guy will be putt away for some time,,, probably not long enough~!~!~! but maybe, so the next wont get killed or seriuosly injured~!~!~ and what happened to the attempted murder charge, that should be attached, he was apparently, trying cuz this ladt 52 yrs old and he using a 2x4!~! dam she should have used it on him,, save us all money in the long run,, and for the cowardly nieghbors, @!$%# they should of came out anyway,what this country comin to!~!~!~!if it was our nieghborhood, im sure lots would of came out, then, well hahah, everyone would of said poor guy~!~!~

hahaha yea you guys crack me up~!~ if i saw a man hitting a women 2x4 or bare hands i would kick his asssss regardless or at least try,, stupid people, remeber that when no ones helpin you some time if it happens to you ,god forbidd, butt think about it~!~!~!~!dont care if its domestic abuse or two strangers not right~!~stand up be a man or something...........

@Anna - it didn't say the neighbors saw her get hit by the 2x4, it said they had a scuffle in which he hit her with a 2x4, it also said she chased him through 3 neighbors backyards, where she tackled him, then once she had him pinned down she yelled for the neighbors to help her. It doesn't say she asked them to call the police, it doesn't say she told them he had broken into her house. It does say she chased him, tackled him, and had him pinned to the ground. Now, if it said they were scuffling back and forth or that he had hit her in view of the neighbors, or at anytime had seemed to have been in control or attacking her, then yes, I would say, they should have jumped in to help her. But that isn't what it says. As someone who almost lost an uncle due to domestic violence by a woman, no I don't think they should have immediately jumped in to her rescue, as it isn't a simple black and white scenario.

At Pixie, TWENTY FIVE TIMES?...You MUST be a Democrat.

About 15 yrs ago.. I witnessed a boy on bike hit by a car - the car fled - I stopped the boy was apparently hit his head on the curb - so much blood... I've been trained in basic first aid and CPR - So I took my coat off and raised his feet felt for a pulse/breath and began CPR - started with a quick breath and went to the chest compressions - "crack" I cracked a rib I heard it I felt it... I continued until the ambulance got there... at least 25 people were standing around and noone offered to help.

2 months pass and ohh look I got served - I'm being sued for cracking the boys ribs.. I was in tears I'd never been sued - I always thought there were good samaritan laws.. Jump to the end - Judge dismissed me in the lawsuit, because 1st there was no way to to prove that rib wasn't fratured before I cracked it and second in the Judges words "ms ....... you should be on you knees thanking this woman (me) or your son would be in the morgue!

Helping made me feel great until I was sued.....

@ Lyndanne

What a good person you are! It does seem to me that whenever an accident or crime happens a whole bunch of looky-loos show up hoping to see some blood and guts. This kid was lucky you cared enough to help. I can't imagine why the kid's low-life parents would try to get money out of the very person who saved their child's life. As a parent who would thank you forever if you saved my child's life, please don't let those greedy fools deter you from being such a good person. And if they didn't say it, I will.

"THANK YOU!"

For people saying why didnt they help her, if I saw someone chasing someone else, even if the person being chased hit her with a 2 X 4, I would think the person chasing was the culprit.

For the domestic abuse criers, if she was being chased that would be one thing. She was chasing him so (if he didnt commit any crime) he would have every right to hit her with a 2 X 4. The neighbors didnt know who the aggressor was. The woman is not always the victim. Even though she was this time. lol

MrBurns

For people saying why didnt they help her, if I saw someone chasing someone else, even if the person being chased hit her with a 2 X 4, I would think the person chasing was the culprit.

Yes she chased him, it was dangerous to do so, but she did run after a criminal and got him. She actually did her duty as a citizen, eventho it could have ended up badly for her. She had more b*** then some men I see posting here.

Luckily I also see real men posting here.

So let me get this straight:

In the middle of the night you look out the window to see a woman and man fighting in your backyard. The woman tackles the man, pins him down and then starts screaming at the top of her lungs. And all of you would just go running over to help her assault this man WITHOUT question???????

I CALL BULLSH!T ON ALL OF YOU!!!!

Unless those of you who think you are so brave and "patriotic" (that was for the idiots who are blaming political parties) have some sort of psychic power which would have made you instantly know what was going on and who was the victim in that situation then you are all kidding yourselves.

It was late, it was dark, there was a fight going on and I guarantee none of those neighbors would just know what was happening after only a few seconds of witnessing the confrontation.

What if the intruder had actually been the victim? Then you would all be under arrest as an accessory to assault. Before jumping into the situation a reasonable person would ask what was going on.... if they even had time.

It's always easy to assume you would do better when you've been given the information upfront. Her neighbors didn't have that same luxury. It doesn't take a genius to understand that perspective!!!

@Lolly1192

That's when you pick up your cell phone, call 911, then walk outside with a gun, and hold them both there till the cops show up, staying on the phone the entire time. Maybe even recording video. The victim won't try and leave, and the intruder is gonna sit there praying he doesn't get shot. It won't matter who is who. The moment you hear the cops show up, you put ur gun on the ground and step away from it while they sort things out.

You do realize you would get arrested for holding 2 people at gun point, right? You can't point a gun at someone unless they've broken into your home or are trying to attack you.

The police consider anyone who aims a firearm at an individual has intent to use it, which is why it is illegal to do so unless you are in fear of your life. Walking outside to where the disturbance is doesn't count as stand your ground, so you would be arrested.

Either scenario your a$$ is getting arrested for getting involved if you pick the wrong party to side with. And it doesn't mean you are a terrible human being for not wanting to take that risk without all the info first.

BTW - the neighbors did call 911

Lolly1192

You would sing a different song if you were the victim, getting beaten (or whatever else), called for help and no one would have the courage to help you. Calling 911 is obviously the first thing to do, but sometimes waiting for the police to get to the location may mean it will be too late for the victim.

@Lolly1192

You are allowed to use your gun in defense of another person. Considering a 2x4 in the hands of an adult can be considered a deadly weapon, stopping one of these folks from beating the other one with that 2x4 would be a legal use of your firearm.

Also:

"Under Connecticut law, a person may use physical force (self defense): to protect himself or a third person, his home or office, or his property; to make an arrest or prevent an escape"

So it appears to me that holding 2 people at gunpoint is legal. Beating each other is assault, thus a crime in progress. You are simply stopping the crime and preventing the suspects from leaving the scene.

And Lolly, you are welcome to stand back and watch events unfold from the safety of your kitchen window, however not all of us are like you. Some of us will intervene. I'm 39 and have it on several occasions. Most recently in a Safeway parking lot around 2002. I'm standing there in full uniform putting my stuff in my trunk and there is a couple screaming at each other 2 cars over. Then he hauls off and slaps the hell out of her. I take 3 steps, grab him by his pony tail and yank his ass backwards. He landed on his butt and sits there, and you know what happened? She starts yelling at me. All I could do was stand there and shake my head as they got in the car and left.

But you know, even though the result wasn't what I expected, I'd still do it again. I'm not the type of person that's going to watch an event unfold without getting involved. If you have the ability, you have the duty to help.

Chris from Yucaipa

But you know, even though the result wasn't what I expected, I'd still do it again. I'm not the type of person that's going to watch an event unfold without getting involved. If you have the ability, you have the duty to help.

Thank God there is still people like you, and I am glad that you would still help. I assure you that if it had been me I wouldnt have yelled at you, I would have thanked you with all my heart. I hate when women are such idiots (to all women who would react like the one you describe: it doesn't matter how much you love him, he's not supposed to hit you!!!! wake the heck up!!!), because of them people might decide not to help, but most of us would be grateful.

Eventho that (dumb) woman yelled at you, I thank you and salute you for having the courage to intervene.

@Anna - had the woman been being attacked and yelling for help the story would have been different, but that is not what happened here. What happened here was the woman was chasing the man, tackled and pinned him to the ground, then started yelling for help; while she was in a position of power. Like a few others have stated, the woman isn't always the victim

@ Marty Thank you!... From what the police told me at the hearings.. they never did catch the car who hit the kid and his mom sued everyone right down to the ambulance drivers, and our streets department for not having sidewalks in the center of a divided hwy. That night was a disaster for me until that Judge yelled at the Mom... then I felt good about what I did.

I don't think anyone can say for certain what they would do in every situation... I just hope for me personally I would help.

I am a woman...

As for me...if I seen all of this take place, I would absolutely help the woman. I would call 911...and then I would help her hold him down until the police arrived and the story was sorted out. I would have helped...and while helping, asked her the story. I would not have struck or beat the man or let the woman continue to do so...but I would have restrained him until I knew what was going on.

I don't believe that doing nothing is the answer here...no matter which one was truly the victim and which one was truly the perp.

On a side note...if there was a gun involved...I would hide like a coward.

And then you would go to prison 4Rudie4 if she turned out to be the perp.

I guess sam wants to spoon with the guy?!!?? ^looks above^

Jesus would have wanted that habitual perp to reform. Responses like those from sam are almost - but not quite - enough to make me want to vote for Obama. I am so tired of the religious-right's injection into everything and equally the liberal left's excusing every bad behavior.

This guy should have been put away years ago - either by the courts or an armed home owner.

Well..... i am tried of people injecting politics into everything. Religion too, both are for sheep.

Jesus also said to love your neighbor as yourself. If I had been there I would have helped her immediately! No way he hits her with a board after being caught in her home and me not getting involved. What is with people? He deserves life in jail, what a creep.

A .50 cent bullet would have taken care of the 26th time. Obviously arrests and convictions haven't worked after 25 times and isn't that the definition of insanity...doing the same thing, expecting different results.

Rocky Road....that was funny! Almost blew my soda out through my nose.... :))

That is the mentality in the US isnt it. Just pack a gun and when necessary shoot anyone and everyone. Obviously this woman was able to subdue this guy without a gun and therefore this guy faces the courts which is how it is supposed to be. Although I have to admit it doesnt seem the law has worked too well with this guy.

What I dont understand in all the comments I read no matter the subject always and I do mean always politics seem to come into it. This makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever. Do you guys always blame the politicians for everything that happens in your country. This story is pretty straight forward. A two-bit low life of a thug tries to rob a lady - she chases him down and apprehends him. Where please do tell me is the politics in that.

"i am tried of people injecting politics into everything. Religion too"

Yeah, Baby, Yeah! How can I vote on this more than once?????

@!$%# for brains...I mean politics for brains, proves that these people have an even lesser attention span than a teenage boy who thinks of sex every 3 seconds. At least the teen boy is thinking of something pleasing - what is happening inside the heads of the @!$%# for brains people...it has to take some kind of toll.

How was this article Political... somehow I bet the cat riding rumba utube video was bush's fault

Jesus would have wanted that habitual perp to reform. Responses like those from sam are almost - but not quite - enough to make me want to vote for Obama. I am so tired of the religious-right's injection into everything and equally the liberal left's excusing every bad behavior.

This guy should have been put away years ago - either by the courts or an armed home owner

The problem is the extreme of either party however I believe the current republican leadership is far more to the right than democratic leaders are to the left. I'm a liberal and cheer this lady for defending her home. I support a citizens right to own guns but oppose automatic weapons and 100 round clips. I support a woman's right to an abortion in the first trimester or to save the mother. I think many main stream republicans would agree with my beliefs. Hard to paint everyone with the same brush.

How was this article Political... somehow I bet the cat riding rumba utube video was bush's fault

It's political because you make it so.

Good for you lady, everyone should be sick of these jerks who break the law. The guy who should have helped you he'd better home his neighbors don't ignore him that way if he ever needs help.

Not as pathetic as he is - overpowered by a middle-aged lady? He needs to find a different line of work.

Wornout----I agree with you 100%. Roaches walk in, they won't walk out!

Excuse ME, worn out.....What's with the grenade trolling? Most likely Dems? What planet are you on anyway?

THIS Democrat went into burning buildings for a living, this Democrat chased down a purse snatcher, this Democrat ( along with a cast of THOUSANDS like me) would do anything possible to help not only a neighbor, but anyone who needed it. Your brand of prejudice is not only erronious, but no longer viable....BTW...we also own guns. Break into my house sometime and see what a Democrat can do.....

rkaralius

Not as pathetic as he is - overpowered by a middle-aged lady? He needs to find a different line of work.

At the very least, he should find a different getaway vehicle than a bicycle.

Neighbors must have been relative or friends of his or maybe just a yellow-bellied coward !!!!!!!!!!

Pam Montgomery. I am a Republican and I agree with your anger with wornout. He/she was completely out of line and, as you put it, grenade trolling!

Kudos to you for being an "involved" person, I too try to be of help whenever I can and wish there were more like us!

rkaralius:

Especially since he had already hit her with a 2 X 4.

Her neighbors are pathetic.

It's actually a psychological phenomenon called the bystander effect, where the more people see someone in trouble, the less likely it is for any of them to step forward and help.

One way to overcome it is by pointing at specific people (or even better calling their name) and ordering them to do things like calling the police.

It's not performance art! That's what was going through my brother's mind when his artificial hip dislocated on him while attending an event at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds at Monroe, WA this year. He couldn't do anything but laugh through the agony while his two hunting friends were attempting to help him to the side of the aisle and people actually stepped over him with his locked up leg.

He facetiously remarked about passing the hat when EMS arrived to carry him out of the building as the crowd of gawkers had grown considerably.

Wornout; I live in a democratic neighborhood and I can guarantee had it been one of my neighbors [1 sheriff 2 bikers,1 former Marine And 1 former Special forces member they would of had to pick him up from the hospital after he healed. This story has nothing to do with politics moron

You tell 'em, Pam! I'm so weary of the divisive political trolling and classification. Some people make such stupid generalizations.

If wornout thinks every discussion has to degrade into some political bull$#!+, I guess I'd better throw in my two sense, too.

I make up my own mind and have "Declined to State." I encourage others to join me in this "new" party. I don't want any candidate running for, or in, any office to count on my support. I will give it when it is due and earned.

As Jessica points out, he had already hit her with a 2x4. The guy's a criminal and it looks like it goes to the core. He doesn't deserve another chance in society. Lock him up.

“All of a sudden, he said. 'I don't want to be with you anymore,

Guess not. hehehehehehehehehe

Good for her.

Geez, I never heard of an artificial hip dislocating, hope my dad's doesn't ever do that.

Guy breaks into her house, in the chase he hits this woman with a board, and then has the GALL to say it was all a lover's spat?? She shoulda grabbed that 2/4 and bashed him in the head. Talk about insult to injury.

"Not as pathetic as he is - overpowered by a middle-aged lady?"

Am I the only 1 picturing a 110 lb weakling?

He got beat up..........by a girl!!!!

Think of yourself as the neighbors. If you saw a woman chasing a man and pin him down (if you didnt see the 2 X 4 attack) would you immediately think she was the victim?

Women are not always the victims people. Way to generalize and show your ignorance.

Yes i know she was the victim in this case. lol

This is what fear of lawsuits has done to our society and our morals

In all fairness - most people really have no idea what to do in a medical emergency. And if they have any sense, know that possibly they could make a situation worse - and few could administer CPR. (It's been 40 years since I was trained, not good.) But I certainly would call for help, and have.

Don't know about her state, but "Good Samaritan Laws" have been enacted in many states to protect people who are there and trying to help, especially doctors and nurses.

That is true, but there is always some lawyer who will scream that you used to much force or you did something else wrong that you should not be covered by good Samaritan laws. Some people dont even have the cash to step foot in a court, even if there is a good chance that they will be covered as a good Samaritan.

In other words, it is easier to call 911 and stay out of it, and less risky as well. This is what we have built for our selves. We say people should mind their own problems and then get all high and mighty when people do just that, even when its something that you SHOULD get involved in.

Don't get me wrong, I would have gladly helped this woman. In fact, I would have been totally disgusted with myself had I been there and not. I can however see why people today do hesitate, and thats something that will take all of us to fix.

Did you know that good samiritan laws only help you to the point that you have been trained? For example, if you have been trained in basic CPR and break someones ribs while performing CPR, you are protected. However, if you have not been trained in CPR and break their rib, they could still sue you, because you attempted to perform something in which you didn't really know what you were doing.

And, just playing devils advocate, but the neighbors didn't know the situation. What they saw is a woman chasing a man, tackle him and pin him to the ground, then start asking for help. For all they knew, this was a woman who was mad at her boyfriend and chasing him; at that point, they could have been considered "good samaritan's" for helping him. It is very easy to sit in judgement of a situation when you weren't there, but in reality, hard to say you wouldn't have reacted in the exact same way had you been there. The article even states that he tried to play it off as being a domestic issue.

He didn't hit her with the 2 x 4 hard enough

WTH? Are you sick?

No...he was saying something humorous. Look up the word humor in the dictionary.

He was marvelling at the fact that the man could commit 25 crimes...and still not get it right.

I wonder where some of you come from...sheesh.

Because anyone with a Hispanic name must be here illegally...

The racially prejudice have to come out too...barf. Ethnicity does not an illegal make. Maybe he was, maybe he wasn't. He's a criminal either way. Throw away the key.

And yes, shame on her neighbors.

I have to wonder which half of your disjointed comment people are voting on. I'm hoping it's the shame on her neighbors.

I grew up in the Northeast, I know most Hispanics in Northeast are Puerto Ricans. The last time I checked Puerto Rico is still a territory of USA and all Puerto Ricans are American citizens. So what does your racist rants has to do with this news? You are just as pathetic as this woman's neighbors.

Exactly. They need to check his immigration status. Most illegals don't care how many arrests/convictions because they have NOTHING TO LOOSE. THEY'RE HERE ILLEGALLY!!!!! Duh

You call yourself "realist" but that is your post? You are nothing but a moron. He has 25 prior arrests. Do you really think an illegal alien would still be here after 25 arrests?

Racial Predudice? my left hind foot! In my opinion, when a guy with a hispanic name is a criminal, (I don't know percentage) but I kinda lean towards illegals) Sorry, just a thought.

First of all there was nothing in this story about guns. Nobody had a gun. Nobody pulled a gun. No guns were fired. As far as you being a Canadian living in Japan and commenting on what happens in the USA please stay in Japan. The anti gun nuts think every time they open their mouths they need to rant about guns.

None of your criminals have guns? No murders or robberies, break ins, rapes? Just wondering

So, you're glad bad guys beat you with a hammer or slice you with a knife? Glad you feel safer.

Yeah, keep your ass in Japan.

commonsenseaintcommon~

Thanks for that! I may not be "LMAO," but that was good!

Japan can have you, tforo.

tforu---people can commit violent crime w/o a gun. A gun can level the playing field for the smaller against the larger. I suspect many people have heard, "God created man; Sam Colt made them equal." Another one I've heard, that I don't think nearly as many have heard, "God created man & woman equal; Smith & Wesson aims to keep it that way".

The actual quote that Colt engraved on the barrels of some of their pistols in the 1800's was: "Fear No Man, No Matter What the Size, For I Am With You Always, and I Will Equalize".

"a Canadian woman living in Japan I am glad to be over here versus being in N.America"

*clicking heels 3 times

Please let her stay in Japan. Please let her stay in Japan. Please let her stay in Japan.

And if she was the aggressor by chasing him and pinning him to the ground, you would have been arrested for assualt and false imprissonment. Good for you mr macho.

Dear Mr. Macho...aka Rob...I laughed at your comment, because it WAS funny. Maybe some people need to quit being so up-tight and anal...and learn to laugh.

why should i wrestle some junkie on the ground and ruin my clothes? screw the junkie. they break in they deserve to be shot in the face. that way i keep my shirt clean.

Using Sam Adams as your moniker is misleading. If the first Americans thought like you did we would still be subjects not citziens. We gun nuts don't need guns to protect our homes. We want firearms because we see them as tools to be used for many different jobs. We you as a tool also. Just a much less intelligent and far more dnagerous tool than a gun might be.

Ummm, Unfairunbalancedfox. That was kind of a dumb thing to say. No, I am not a republican, but people I know have guns, have had guns in their families for generations, and no children have died. I really hope you know martial arts or something to back yourself up with when some "titty baby boys" bust into your house and try to shoot your ignorant azz.

You don't need a gun to protect your home, but if someone with a gun breaks into your home while you are there, having a gun is helpful.

Also, if she had a gun, she probably wouldn't have had to chase him through the neighborhood and get hit by a 2x4 to subdue him until the police arrived, being as she could have held him in her house, without ever firing a shot, until the police arrive.

But most importantly, the fact that you may have guns in your house, is enough to keep many criminals from entering a home they know people are in. A government survey conducted in the 80's showed that 74% of criminals avoid houses with people in them because they fear armed victims, and 81% said they try to determine whether the victim is armed prior to committing a crime.

http://www.readytodefend.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=11

Comparing the US (with "lax" gun control laws) and the UK (with strict gun control laws). 2.8% of UK residents are victims of assault, as opposed to 1.2% of US residents, 0.9% of residents in the UK have been the victim of rape, compared to 0.4% of US residents, and 26.4% of UK residents have been the victim of some sort of crime, as opposed to 21.1% of US residents. Additionally, 70% of UK residents feel safe walking in the dark, while 82% of US residents feel safe walking in the dark.

http://www.nationmaster.com/compare/United-Kingdom/United-States/Crime

Sam. Nope, just a menopausal woman tough enough to give birth to and raise 3 kids. I pity the fool who would try to burglarize our house when my wife is having a hot flash.

Oh, and her neighbors suck.

Maybe with a gun she wouldn't have been hit with a 2x4. He could have easily killed her with that. She was lucky on that. But the fact is he had a lethal weapon, why shouldn't she have had one?

"I pity the fool who would try to burglarize our house when my wife is having a hot flash."

LMAO! Thanx, Randy!

@Randy...lol. Thanks for the laugh.

Better wait till after November. obamma needs all the votes he can get.

lol...poor tonyin Wyo...desperately lobbing insults at democrats and trying so hard to turn this into some political jousting match. Nothing funnier than seeing the panic in the gop supporters now. They spent 6 months cannibalizing each other, then they pretend to embrace the last idiot standing, spend hundreds of millions of dollars telling hilarious lies and acting like this mess wasnt their fault, and now they realize that IT DIDNT WORK....LOL. Keep telling your fairy tales, keep blaming your mess on Obama, keep trying to block any progress, keep insulting everyone that doesnt think or feel exactly like you, but just remember that victory will be even sweeter this time and the dems will be laughing so hard at you when the election shows that you werent even close to fooling enough people to vote for the rich, racist, arrogant, ignorant, gop and their gullible, easily tricked supporters...hee hee....we will laugh and laugh......and then laugh some more, then we will be tossing the gop morons out on their ears and filling their seats with people that want to get things done!...then laugh some more...hee hee

The police will run down a criminal they feel is no danger so I would say she can do the same.

It would be very disturbing if she DOES get charged with assault - hopefully that won't happen.

Technicially you may be right in some states, kind of think that if it is true here, it will fall through the cracks.

WW...She isn't a cop. They have different rules you know.

Bull$#i+! He was a threat before he entered her home. He was a threat in her home. And he was a threat after she chased him out. If he escaped, he was a threat to Pauline and others.

Lock him up.

If the jury pool is drawn from that town, I don't think she'll have much of a problem. Most jurors would be thinking "That could have been me".

Not a chance she will face any charges. The idiot hit her with a 2 x 4. As far as the jury pool from that town, well her cowardly neighbors don't give me much confidence in their reasoning abilities...

"I certainly hope she is immune from prosecution."

Maybe.............in Connecticut.

In Iowa, the police would have told her something-2-the-effect-of: once he left your house, he was no longer a threat. Now, on YOUR assault charge, U have the right 2 remain silent.............

And Joliet Jake thought the Illinois Nazis were bad.

Well said. Pump the guy with hollow points, case closed, taxpayers saved, one less scum roaming the earth.

“All of a sudden, he said. 'I don't want to be with you anymore,' like trying to make it sound like it was domestic violence, like I was a crazy woman trying to keep her man,” said Bragg.

Dead men tell no lies.

How sad, Dj. I admit my thought was that Pauline lives in the wrong town.

I know my community has my back. It's a very nice feeling.

She wasn't crazy. She had every right to react any damn way she pleased, since this criminal broke into her home. From personal experience, I ca ntell you that you never know what you are capable of. Criminals count on you being afraid, don't be! Years ago I was getting into my car when I saw a man suddenly stand up on the other side of my car. I reached for the bat I kept in the back seat and went to that side ot find my car up on a jack. One tire was missing and the man had been taking the lug nuts off the other tire. He took off running and I took off after him. It suddenly began raining (it was already after dark) but I caught him three blacks away. I proceeded to greet him Louisville Slugger style. I was interupted by an off-duty transit cop. The thief ran off, but at least I got in a few good whacks with that bat...

Are you saying that you shouldn't help someone because you don't know them? Please!!!!!

They could have at least held him until the police arrived. IF they had known each other and it was a domestic case they could have given him an "Am I bad" apologize. Nope - she has bad neighbors.

If you know someone has committed a crime, yes, you should definitely help them. As in, if you are walking down the street and see someone grab a ladies purse, by all means, chase the person down. However, if you are in your backyard and see some guy come running through your yard and get tackled by a lady who is clearly able to hold him down, no, I wouldn't help her, because, for all you know, she is the one committing the crime, in which case, you have just become an accomplice.

You Natedom, sound like a coward! One day you might need someone to come to your aid and I hope that you get that help.

My brothers and husband were both raised that no matter the situation, if you see a man in a physical confrontation with a woman you step in. It shouldn't matter if you know them or not. Guess my family is just old school.

@Honeybee60 - I sound like a coward because I am not going to assume that a woman who has tackled and pinned a man to the ground couldn't possibly be the aggressor? How about simply being a woman who was taught to protect herself? How about a woman with an uncle who has been in an abusive relationship that resulted in him being hospitalized and almost killed, while the woman initially walked because "the man is always the aggressor?"

How about someone who simply understands that sometimes things are exactly as they appear. Would you still feel the neighbors were horrible people had it been two men? How about two women?

No, not a coward, simply someone who realizes that sometimes men need every bit as much help as women do.

@smilingphoebs - my husband and brothers were also raised that way; they changed their attitudes when my uncle was put in the hospital by his girlfriend when she beat the crap out of him and he simply stood there and allowed it to happen because he had been raised to never hit a woman.

Quite honestly, if anything, the neighbors should have stepped in and subdued the both of them until the police arrived and allowed them to sort it out. But to assume they should have jumped in and helped her and not him is extremely naive and a bit offensive to women such as Pauline, who are able to hold their own.

her neighbors wouldn't help, Think!! a middleaged white woman chasing a minority, can you blame them... in a few weeks she'll be sued for violating his rights, and jesse jackson and al sharpton will be matching in front of her home.