Group of teens attack an openly gay man

A recent crime in Springfield, Massachusetts left one man severely injured, according to CNN Boston.

Police say that a group of nine teens ranging from 12 to 19 came up to the victim - a 30-year-old openly gay man at approximately 3:00 a.m. and started harassing him. Officers say the victim was knocked to the ground, punched in the face and kicked in the head and the abdomen.

Reports further stated that during the incident female bystanders were encouraging the men to beat the victim up as they yelled crude remarks about his sexual orientation.

The suspects fled after the assault, and the victim was transported to a nearby hospital where he was treated for head trauma and released.

The victim's MP3 player was stolen during the fight and was later recovered from one of the suspects.

Those involved are being charged with a hate crime and possibly assault and robbery.

Walking alone at night should be avoided at all times regardless of age or gender. If you need to walk by yourself frequently, consider purchasing pepper spray as a way to maintain your personal safety should a problem arise. Staying in tune with your surroundings is another key element to safety, if you are distracted by a phone or listening to music, you may make yourself an easy target for an attack.

Dog attack leaves one injured

One Seattle woman and her dog were serverly attacked after a run in with a pit bull, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

The victim said she had been walking her dachshund when a pit bull charged at them and started attacking the small dog. The victim told the news source she wasn't going to let go of her pet.

During the incident the dog pulled them to the ground and held on biting her and her animal for some time.

Help came in the form to two men who had heard the scuffle, they approached with a stick as a way to break-up the attack. According to the news source, the victim received multiple bruises and puncture wounds to her face and limbs, her dog got an injury on his nose.

Police say a woman stepped forward claiming the dog as her own. She told officers the dog had been a rescue from the pound and had trouble in the past with other dogs but claims the animal had never bitten any people.

Whenever you're out walking your pet, know that you could come in contact with an unruly animal. Staying alert and even purchasing pepper spray to take with you may be a way to avoid such situations from occurring.

One dies after failed home invasion

A recent home invasion in Enfield, North Carolina, ended with one youth dead, two suspects in custody and one possible assailant still on the run, according to The Daily Herald.

A man who had been housesitting for a friend had been asleep on the couch when he heard a noise from outside and looked through the peephole. According to police, four intruders then kicked the door in and the victim was pinned underneath it.

During the initial scuffle, the victim reached over and grabbed a gun out of the suspect's hand. He then stood up and started shooting the firearm. He struck one and the juvenile suspect died instantly.

The other three involved fled the scene. Police say two of the three remaining individuals have turned themselves into authorities, while one remains on the run.

When involved in a home invasion, your personal safety is instantly at risk. In this case, the victim was able to gain access to a firearm to protect himself, yet purchasing pepper spray may prove to be just as beneficial. The device will be able to stun intruders, yet won't cause any life-threatening injuries.

Suspect pepper sprayed and Tasered before surrendering to police

Peterborough, Ontario, police recently had to use extreme force to contain an intoxicated individual, according to the Peterborough Examiner.

Patrolling officers noticed a man in the middle of the road without his shirt shortly after the local bars closed for the evening. They asked the man to move, but he refused to listen. At this point, officers forcefully removed him from the street.

The suspect refused arrest, making it hard for the officer to contain him. After a struggle, the officer was able to get one of the suspect's hands behind his back, while a second cop sprayed the suspect with pepper spray. This led the second cop to shock the suspect with a Taser. The suspect immediately dropped to the floor, yet got up shortly thereafter and started with the officers again. A second Tasing ensued, which finally calmed the suspect.

The disruptive citizen was taken to the police station, where tests concluded that he was intoxicated, even though he is on a probation order not to consume alcohol. He plead guilty to charges of causing a disturbance, resisting arrest and four counts of breaching court orders. He was sentenced to 66 days in prison.

Trained officers are the only people that might have to deal with unruly intoxicated individuals. If you work in an area that is known for having trouble, consider purchasing pepper spray as an option for protection - when sprayed in the face of an attacker, it allows individuals to get to safety.

Recent home invasion proves need to stay on guard at all times

Fitchburg, Wisconsin, police are on the lookout for three suspects involved in a recent attempted home invasion, according Channel3000 News.

The source reports a man had just parked his vehicle in the underground parking lot of his apartment complex when he was approached by three men, one white male and two black males. The victim said one suspect had also had a gun.

During this incident, the men took the victim's keys and other personal belongings. The victim had recently moved from one apartment to another so he had sets of keys for both residencies.

Two suspects went to the victim's current apartment, while the other invaded his previous home. The new tenants of the previous apartment were awake when the intrusion occurred and confronted the suspect. They told police they were able to tackle the man, but he ultimately got away.

Officers are looking for a white man with curly black hair between five foot eight and five-foot-ten and an overweight black male who had been in all black attire. Both men were wearing masks, none of the victims were able to describe the third assailant.

In this case, a man was caught off-guard while parking his vehicle in a place that's supposed to be safe. It goes to show that even in a private area, you're never out of harms way. His personal safety and the safety of others within this apartment complex was compromised through this attack. Keeping pepper spray in your vehicle may be a way to protect yourself, should this ever happen to you.

Road rage incident ends with gunshots

A recent case of road rage ended with one in the hospital, according to the Sacramento Bee.

San Francisco police are on the lookout for a suspect involved with the shooting of a city employee after an incident that occurred over a U-turn.

According to reports, a man became enraged after a Department of Parking and Traffic painting truck made a U-turn early in the morning.

Investigators say after he made the U-turn, a man got out of his own vehicle and started cursing at the driver. At this time the suspect pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots at the city employee.

The worker was hit in the shoulder by a bullet, a passenger inside the truck managed to escape the attack without injury. The victim was sent to the hospital and was later released.

When it comes to driving you must always be aware of impending situations. You're in charge of your own personal safety, even if you're not in the wrong. In this incident, it is unclear what jolted the suspect to become so angry, further making his actions completely unpredictable. It might be wise to keep pepper spray in your vehicle in case you're ever faced with a bout of road rage as a way to protect yourself.

Suspect injured in attempted home invasion

Savannah, Georgia, police found one of three men involved in an attempted home invasion that ended with gunshots, according to WSAV3.

Officers have one man in custody after he and two other assailants tried to rob a man in his front lawn and then followed him into his house at gunpoint.

Once in the home, the intruders kept a gun on a 23-year-old woman and her two-year-old son. While they were being held up, the man who was initially attacked pulled a gun of his own on the suspects and fired on them, the news source said.

When the shots went off, the three suspects fled, though one was hit by a bullet and police found him laying in a vacant lot near the crime scene. According to officials the wounded man wouldn't give up his name, so police took his finger prints to gain access to his identity.

The injured suspect remains in the hospital in critical condition. The two other culprits are currently still on the loose.

An intrusion is a direct invasion of your personal safety. In this case the father used force to stop the situation, although whenever guns are involved, problems can arise. Purchasing pepper spray and keeping it in an easy-to-reach area may be a better option than carrying a firearm as no one will be critically injured with pepper spray, but an effect will made.

Shoplifter sends police on a wild goose chase

Oneida County, New York, police had to use force recently to catch a shoplifter outside of a local Dollar Tree, according to the Rome Sentinel.

The report said the suspect, a 26-year old woman, had been confronted by the assistant manager and asked to leave the store as she has shoplifted from this establishment in the past.

During this time, the suspect refused to leave prompting the manager to call the police. Upon arrival, the suspect refused to pay for her items, she then left the store with stolen merchandise while the cops told her repeatedly to stop.

As she made it outside, officers attempted to handcuff her, but she managed to get away and proceeded to run and scream through the parking lot.

At this time, police began chasing after the suspect who was running wild, according to witnesses. They used a Taser and pepper spray to calm the suspect.

One officer was finally able to wrestle the shoplifter to the ground and take her into custody. She has been charged with two counts of second-degree harassment and one count of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and trespass, according the police.

You can never be too careful when dealing with unstable persons. In this case, the personal safety of both the store employees and those in the parking lot were in jeopardy. Those involved had to react appropriately during this unruly situation.

Vicious dog attack leaves one dead

Police in Hawthorne, Florida, are investigating the recent death of a 74-year-old man after he was viciously attacked by a neighbors two pit bulls, according to News4Jax.

The victim had been out in his yard gardening when the pit bulls got loose and ran over to him. The animals immediately starting attacking him, ripping off his right arm and severely damaging his left. He was on life support for five days before succumbing to his injuries, the news source added.

According to police records, this is the third incident involving these two animals. One man was attacked and bitten when taking care of a nearby home, while another was attacked upon entering the home of the dogs' owner. He had to get 40 stitches and is reportedly still having trouble using his hand properly.

In the previous two incidents, the dogs were quarantined but were given back to the owner. No charges were ever formally filed and the dogs were never declared dangerous.

Although it's not your job as an innocent bystander to be in charge, if you know certain animals near you could infiltrate your personal safety, you must stay alert at all times as animals can be unpredictable. If you feel unsafe, talk with your local police and carry pepper spray with you if you think you could come in contact with an unruly animal, as an added survival tactic.

One teen robbed and beaten while walking home

Rock Hill, North Carolina, police are on the lookout for a group of suspects responsible for a recent attack on a 14-year old boy, according to The Herald.

Police said that the victim was leaving a house at 1:00 a.m. with friends, when a group of approximately six to eight people came up to him and jumped on him.

During the assault the suspects hit the victim in the eye, and the mouth. They also stole his backpack with his possessions inside. The victim got up and ran to a nearby home, where he was assisted in calling the police.

Officers spoke with witnesses and one party-goer informed officials that he had seen at least 7 or 8 men jump the victim. The witness was able to identify one of the men involved and claimed that the victim knew at least one of his assailants.

The source states that all of the suspects were between the ages of 16 and 17.

No matter where you are, you may be subject to an attack on your personal safety. Even if you're amongst friends, an attack could still occur and it's your job to be prepared for anything. Buying pepper spray to keep on your body if you are going to be out late or in a known bad neighborhood is one way to prevent mishaps from occurring.
 

Recent Florida home invasions highlight the need for additional personal safety

After a string of recent break-ins in Palm Bay, Florida, one potential suspect has been taken into custody after a battle with a homeowner. According to Florida Today, one victim fought back against a group of home intruders during an attempted robbery.

Police say that the victim was alone when he heard loud banging on his front door. When he looked outside he saw two men, one of whom was carrying a gun. The victim proceeded to reach for a weapon - a machete as the intruders made their way inside the home. At which time the victim ambushed the suspects.

The homeowner injured one of the criminals, causing the two men to flee the scene. According to police, the victim was conscious enough from his recent encounter to take a photo of the getaway car as the robbers drove off.

Police told the news source that the victim was severely shaken-up after the incident. He was crying and very scared by what had happened as well as having to use force to remove the intruders.

According to officials, shortly after the incident a person matching the description given by the victim went into a nearby hospital to receive treatment for serious injuries. Police arrived on scene and from the injuries and observations, they believed this was in fact one of the men responsible for the home invasion, at which time the suspect was taken into custody.

Palm Bay police are still on the look out for the second robber in the case. An ongoing investigation leads officers to believe that this was not an isolated incident. Police are under the impression that these men may be involved with numerous other recent break-ins around the area.

According to officials the group matching this description would typically knock loudly on residents homes to see if anyone answered. Once they felt the home was empty they would break in and proceed to steal valuables from inside.

What makes this break-in even more troubling is the fact that if this victim hadn't been awake, the outcome could have been gravely different as the man with the gun could have used it on the victim had he awoken during the intrusion.

Home invasions are a serious matter for all citizens to be concerned about. When a break-in occurs, your personal safety has been jeopardized as you're unaware of what may happen.
According the Federal Bureau of Investigation, approximately 1 in 5 homes in the United States will be broken into or be part of a home invasion, equaling more than 8,000 break-ins daily. This information shows that you can never be too prepared for a threat on your personal safety.

Although this victim was armed with a machete to defend his home and himself, most people do not own such serious means of protection. For the average citizen, you may want to buy pepper spray as a way to arm yourself should this happen to you.

If you do decide to buy pepper spray, make sure you educate yourself on the proper way to use it because using it wrong can be as ineffective as not having it at all. Experts suggest that spraying in quick bursts in an "x" or "z" pattern gives you the best results as these patterns cover a lot of ground, giving you a better chance of hitting your target. Keep your device in an easy-to-reach area as most of these attacks are sudden and leave you with little time to prepare.

Officials in Uganda to give out free pepper spray to promote women's safety

Women in Uganda will be armed with pepper spray in the upcoming months to ward off sexual assaults that are prevalent throughout the country, according to Reuters Africa.

Junior Youth Minister for Youth and Children, Ronald Kibule told the news source that the pepper spray would be free for teens and women alike as a way to stop an epidemic of sexual assault.

According to the source, young adults and women between the ages of 15 and 30 will be eligible for the personal safety device. Reuters also added that in Uganda approximately 709 rape cases were reported in 2010 alone, making the issue an extremely serious matter.

Local law enforcement is also on board with the new program and said that the police force will train those who receive the pepper spray on how to use it in the most effective manner.

For some throughout the world, personal safety is always a concern. Pepper spray has proven to be an effective way to turn back attackers. When used correctly it can cause temporary blindness and difficulty breathing.

Woman learns valuable lesson after dog attack

Taking in stray animals brings up the all too true fact that when dealing with unpredictable dogs and cats, personal safety must always be accounted for. In Bennington, Nebraska, a woman who is known for taking in homeless dogs to foster, found herself in a horrifying incident recently when one of her dogs turned on her, said Action 3 News Omaha.

According to an eyewitness and good Samaritan, he had been driving down the street when he noticed a woman lying on the ground with a dog on top of her. He pulled over and ran to assist the woman who he realized was being attacked.

The witness informed police that the dog was relentless and that it took a lot of effort to get the animal to release the woman.

If you're going to be working with high-risk animals, personal safety needs to be considered at all times. The victim should have had pepper spray or a air-horn on hand to ward off the aggressive dog. If she had one of these safety mechanisms available, this attack may have never occurred in the first place.

New Jersey attack worries local residents

A late-night attack in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, has investigators in the area searching for the attacker. According to ABC affiliate WABC, police believe that the 21-year-old victim was approached by man she may have met earlier that night, and are using images captured by surveillance video to lead their search.

The assault occurred along the beach at about 3 a.m. and the victim had to be taken to the hospital for treatment of her injuries. The attack has put nearby residents on edge, especially given that such violence doesn't happen in the area all that often.

"People assume it's safe because it's the Jersey shore, and they see families, but it can happen anywhere," Malboro resident Melissa Brenman told the news source.

Those looking to protect themselves from being the victim of a similar attack may want to consider carrying pepper spray. The spray can cause temporary blindness and difficulty breathing, and experts suggest keeping the device in an easy-to-reach location, such as keychain, so that if it ever needs to be used it can be accessed quickly. 

College student's disappearance heightens personal safety awareness

Although college campuses across the country are less populated during the summer months, that doesn't remove the fact that students needs to be vigilant. This is especially true after the recent disappearance of an 20-year-old Indiana University student, which has police at nearby Ball State University on high alert, according to the Ball State Daily News.

The victim was last seen walking home to her apartment after a night out with friends, and law enforcement has joined with family and friends to help broaden the search. Despite the fact many students have gone home for summer vacation, BSU police say they haven't noticed any difference on how those who remain are viewing their surroundings.

"I don't know that the season, or term or semester that we happened to be at, has that significant of an impact on peoples' individual concerns for their personal safety," associate director of public safety Robert Fey told the news source.

College students looking to boost personal safety while walking around campus may want to buy pepper spray. Experts suggest carrying the device in an easy-to-reach location so that if it ever needs to be used it can be done so quickly.

Chicago woman escapes from mid-afternoon attack

Police in Chicago, Illinois, are on the lookout for the man they believe to be responsible for a recent downtown attack on a woman. The 38-year-old victim was able to break free before suffering any serious injuries but the incident still highlights the need to focus on personal safety, the Chicago Tribune reports.

The woman told police that the suspect approached her has she walked down an alley around 4 p.m. According to the news source, he allegedly told her that he had a gun and that he would shoot if she screamed. Then he forced her to a more secluded part of the area and told her to get on the ground, but she was able to fight him off and get to safety.

Despite the fact police were unable to locate the man after she reported the incident, investigators released a composite sketch of the suspect with the hopes that any witnesses will come forward.

Individuals looking to protect themselves from becoming the victim of a similar crime may want to buy pepper spray as a way to boost personal safety. When discharged into the face of an attacker, the device will cause them to become temporarily blind and make it difficult for them to breathe, allowing a victim to get to safety. 

New York attacks emphasize need for a focus on personal safety

Residents in the Upper East Side of Manhattan are on guard after two women have been physically assaulted within several days of each other. The pair of early-morning incidents shines a spotlight on the importance of personal safety and has police feverishly searching for the two men they believe to be responsible for the attacks.

NY1 reports that the first incident occurred in late May, and the second took place just over a week later when an elderly woman was assaulted around the same area. The most recent attack took place around 5 a.m., and police have a surveillance tape of the incident and are looking for a man in his 20s, about 5-foot-10 inches tall with tattoos.

"The woman on 90th Street that was attacked, she was grabbed and I believe was roughly about the same time in the morning, 5 o'clock," Police Commissioner Ray Kelly told the news source.

What is especially troubling about these two attacks is that both victims were elderly and likely unprepared to withstand the brunt of such a brutal encounter. However, other individuals may want to be ready for such an incident, especially given their prevalence. According to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and the Justice Department, around 1.9 million women in the United States are assaulted each year, and nearly 25 percent of all American women will report being sexually assaulted in their lifetime.

Personal safety experts say there are a number of small steps women can take to prevent becoming the victim of an attack. Perhaps the best way to ward of an assailant is to make eye contact. The natural instinct may be to divert your eyes if you're approaching a suspicious individual, but according to ABC News, it can go a long way in making them think twice about targeting you.

"Eye contact may scare off attackers because they fear you will be able to identify them," Mary Ellen Burns, a spokesperson for the Boston Police Department, told ABC.

Along with how you carry yourself, there are certain changes you can make to lower your chances of becoming a victim as well. First and foremost, while it might be tempting to listen to music or talk on the phone while you're walking or running, it can seriously lower your awareness and make you the target for assault. Furthermore, you may want to switch up your routine every now and then to lessen the chances that someone may know the path of your walk home.

Still, there are sometimes where it may not be able to avoid coming into contact with a dangerous individual. If this is the case, there are a few things to remember. Perhaps most importantly, you may want to buy pepper spray in an effort to protect yourself. This helpful device will temporarily disable an attacker by causing both temporary blindness and difficulty breathing, which can be crucial when it comes to getting to safety.

Buying pepper spray is one thing, but knowing how to use it is another. Experts suggest practicing with the device ahead of time so that you know how it sprays and how to use it effectively. Specifically, it should be sprayed in an "x" or "z" pattern to ensure that it hits the attacker. Additionally, you should be sure to carry it in an easy-to-reach location, because if it is hard to grab when the need arises, you may not be able to use it in time.  

Man assaults elderly California woman in home invasion

A man pretending to be an exterminator recently attacked an elderly woman inside her home. The the 73-year-old San Jose, California, resident had to be taken to the hospital for her injuries and police are on the lookout for the assailant, according to the Associated Press.

The suspect approached the residence around 9 p.m. under the pretense of taking soil samples from her home. However, the news source reports that the man forced his way into her house instead and seriously assaulted her, took several piece[s] of jewelry and then fled.

Experts say there are a number of steps one can take to boost their home safety. Perhaps most importantly, individuals should be sure to check through the peep hole before opening the door, as well as install heavy duty locks.

For those homeowners looking for an extra level of home security, purchasing pepper spray is a good idea. When used correctly, the device will temporarily disable an intruder by causing temporary blindness and difficulty breathing, allowing a victim to get to safety and alert authorities.

Texas woman assaulted, robbed in local park

A woman in Orange County, Texas, was attacked recently while she was walking through Northway Park. Police say the victim suffered minor injuries but had some of her possessions stolen, according to The Record.

The victim told police that she was walking through the park to find a place to sit while she smoked a cigarette. As she approached a picnic table, she was attacked from behind and pulled to the ground by her hair. Once there, investigators say she was hit several times in the face before the man stole her backpack and fled the scene.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the rate of violent crime in 2009 was about 16.9 per every 1,000 people over the age of 12. Of those, 2.1 were instances of robbery.

Individuals looking to prevent becoming the victim of a robbery or physical assault may want to buy pepper spray. However, experts recommend practicing with the device ahead of time so that if it ever needs to be used it is done so correctly and most of all, effectively. 

Woman attacked in California home

Police in Santa Ana, California, are on the lookout for a pair of suspects they believe attacked a woman in her home. ABC affiliate KABC reports that authorities say the woman's daughter was assaulted in the same exact location last year, highlighting concerns about personal safety.

The most recent incident occurred around 4 a.m., when one of the suspects cut open one of the home's windows. The 26-year-old victim was asleep on the couch, when police say they one of the men held the woman at knifepoint while the other stole cash and fled the scene. She suffered several injuries as a result of the burglary.

"He strikes her several times in the face, it appears she has some defensive wounds. It appears he may have used the knife in that effort," Santa Ana Police Corporal Anthony Bertagna told the news source.

Individuals may want to take several steps to boost home safety, including improving locks on the doors and windows, as well as investing in an alarm system. Those looking for an added layer of protection will want to buy pepper spray to use if they are ever face-to-face in an assailant. 

Rhode Island woman attacked off local bike path

A man from South Kingston, Rhode Island, was arrested recently in connection with the alleged attack on a woman on a local bike path. The incident is one of several on bike baths in the area over the last several years and places a premium on personal safety, NBC affiliate WJAR reports.

The victim told police that she had met the man earlier in the day, and that she was assaulted by him just off the South County Bike Trial. To prevent similar incidents, local authorities have offered a number of tips to bikers and joggers alike.

"Use the bike path in pairs or groups. Have a cell phone available," Narraganset Police Sergeant Kimberly Hill told the news provider. "There's enhanced 911 that can actually pinpoint their location in the area they would be, even if they feel it is a remote area."

In addition to taking preventative measures to boost your safety, you may also want to buy pepper spray in the event of an attack. Experts suggesting carrying the device in an easy-to-reach location so that if it ever needs to be used it is done so quickly.