Another sad year for sword attacks

[John_Clements]

From the Fringes:

Coventry, UK. December, 2005. Robbers armed with samurai swords struck at shops threatening and cutting cashiers. In one instance a boy aged 16 working was slightly injured when struck by one of the Samurai-type swords and in another a 16-year old girl was threatened on Christmas Eve. The assailants fled on motor bikes. In a third incident, staff were threatened by a man and a woman, both believed to be carrying bladed weapons, who demanded money. (source: http://iccoventry.icnetwork.co.uk and source: http://news.bbc.co.uk)

South Australia. December, 2005. A Christmas night disturbance at a party following an earlier altercation resulted in a youth being stabbed with a samurai sword. The man suffered two minor stabs wounds to the back, and a cut to the shoulder. (source: www.theadvertiser.news.com.au)

Auckland, NZ. December 2005. Three men were given jail sentences over an attack that left a 25-year old man outside his home dead with a sword wound through the eye. The man took a sword with him when he went to stop a noisy fracas in October last year but was overpowered and violently attacked with his own weapon by three young men. (source: www.stuff.co.nz)

Sutton, UK. December, 2005. A man was hospitalized for more than a week after being hacked in the head with a samurai sword in an unprovoked assault. The 20-year-old man received a 6-inch wound along the left hand side of his head from a 4-foot blade. The victim was approached by a gang of two men and a woman around midnight while waiting at a bus stop. He was later followed by the three suspects but believed he had lost them when he cut into a park area. The victim then saw one of the men running towards him with a samurai sword and the attacker swung the sword at him and missed. The attacker then swung the sword again striking him on the side of the head and causing a deep laceration. The victim reported he then he felt something warm flowing down his head or neck. In fright he then ran to escape and did not realize the seriousness of his injury until he saw the blood after reaching the safety of a relative’s house seven doors away. On the way to the hospital he drifted in and out of consciousness. The victim, who initially had not been expected by doctors to survive, was treated for the inch gash to his head, which had also fractured his skull and eye socket. The blow had cut right through to his skull. An investigating detective said, “it was a horrific attack by any standards with a samurai sword.” The victim was later released from the hospital after almost two weeks of treatment. (Sources: www.suttonguardian.co.uk, http://iccroydon.icnetwork.co.uk, and www.suttonguardian.co.uk).

Suffolk, UK. December, 2005. Man confronted armed raiders with sword. A Suffolk village post office worker with a ceremonial sword confronted two armed robbers before being hit on the head with the butt of a sawed-off shotgun. While the men were taking money from the post office a male of the staff, in his 60s, entered and confronted the robbers with the sword. After a struggle ensued with the two robbers the man was hit with the butt of the gun and suffered a cut to his head. He was later treated at the scene by a doctor. (source: www.eveningstar.co.uk)

Indianapolis, Id. December, 2005. A man attacked a pharmacist with a 4-foot-long sword and was later fatally shot by a sheriff's deputy, authorities said. Alexander Zagovalov, 24, was conscious and talking to deputies when he was taken from the scene Sunday night, but later died. The pharmacist, Josh Bennett, 27, suffered cuts on his hand and face. Police were called after the attack shortly before 7 p.m. outside a CVS on the city's far north side. A short while later, a Marion County sheriff's deputy confronted a man fitting the suspect's description attempting to break into a nearby apartment, police said. Police said Zagovalov was carrying a 4-foot-long decorative [straight medieval short] sword and was ordered to drop the weapon before he was shot. "They approached him and ordered him numerous times to drop the sword," said Marion County sheriff's Maj. Dennis May. "At that point, he charged the officers with the sword, so they drew their weapons and fired." Police said Bennett told them he was on a smoke break outside of the pharmacy when Zagovalov walked by and attacked him. Police said Zagovalov also broke into a woman's apartment a few blocks away from the first incident at the Gardens of Greenbrier, an assisted living complex. No one was hurt there. (source: www.theindychannel.com)

Sheraden, Pa. December, 2005. Pittsburgh police are investigating a bizarre attack involving a samurai sword, in Sheraden. Police said 51-year-old Steve Dunlap got into an argument with his live-in girlfriend and her brother -- then pulled out a samurai sword and started swinging. The sword cut both the girlfriend and her brother. Police said when Dunlop attempted an overhead chop, the sword got stuck in the ceiling and the victims tried to wrestle it away from him. (Source: www.thepittsburghchannel.com)

Jacksonville, FL. September, 2005. A robber swinging a samurai sword sent condiments flying before fleeing with $32 taken from a frightened lunchtime crowd of patrons at the Mudville Grille restaurant about 11:30 am on a Monday. Witnesses said the man, waving a sword and yelling he was holding up the place, whipped the sword across two tables, clearing the tabletops before slamming his hand on the counter. Several patrons emptied their pockets and the man grabbed the cash and fled in a green minivan. It was later found abandoned with the sword inside. Police said the van and sword were taken earlier in a 2 a.m. residential robbery of two residents. (source: www.sun-sentinel.com)

August, 2005. Liverpool, UK. Two young thugs with a sword murdered another in his home over a petty dispute. After forcing their way in the man was beaten about the head and body with bars and stabbed in the back of the head and upper thigh. After the planned assault the victim staggered from the house to get help but was pursued by his attackers who continued to beat him until he collapsed in the street. When paramedics arrived he told them he had been stabbed with a sword. Police said the man had been struck at least a dozen times. (Source: http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk)

North Liberty, Iowa. August 2005. A man faces up to two years prison and a $5000 fine after standing naked in his front yard and then chasing his complaining neighbors with a sword. (Source: WFTV.com)

Coventry, UK. July 2005. After a petty argument between two groups of men at a nightclub, a 23-year-old man killed a 33-year-old man with a sharp 18-inch samurai sword. The victim, an athlete, was stabbed in the chest as he tried to make peace between the two groups. The attacker had gone home and retrieved two samurai swords from his collection of three before returning to commit the murder. He waved the shorter blade around his head in a figure of eight before striking. The victim was killed by a single stab wound that went through his body cavity, completely severing a rib, and piercing his heart. He was dead before he reached a hospital. Authorities stated that between April and August 2005 there was on average one incident a week involving a samurai sword. As a result of such attacks the UK government is looking into a banning the swords. (Source: www.Gaurdian.com.uk)

Jacksonville, Florida. July 2005. After taunting over the death of a dog escalated into an argument, a Jacksonville woman said her husband dared her to take a decorative sword above the fireplace to settle things. That resulted in a 53-year old man being stabbed though his right bicep and into his right side. His injuries were not life-threatening, authorities said. According to a police report, the 52 year old wife told officers her husband taunted her when he came home about 7:30 p.m. and learned the family dog had been euthanized earlier in the day. As the argument escalated, the husband told her to "just get the sword bitch," she told police. She lunged at her husband and stuck him. The couple is getting a divorce. (Source: WFTV.com)

Orlando, Florida. July 2005. A 25 man killed his 28-year-old girlfriend after an argument in their downtown apartment by stabbing the woman with a large samurai sword and a smaller blade. (Source: Orlando Sentinel)

Queens Village, NYC. July, 2005. A shotgun and sword-wielding madman wounded two police officers at close range after they caught him at 2 am blasting the head off a 107-year-old statue of St. Anne and the Virgin Mary outside a Queens church. When his sword failed to destroy the icon, he went back to his home to fetch a pump-action shotgun, returned and opened fire. Ranting, "I'm a hustler! I'm a warrior!" the African-American man, age 25, used a sword to lop off the granite statue's arms and blew the head off with a 12-gauge shotgun before ambushing the police from less than 8 feet away. The church’s pastor said the man, "He has a psychological problem with religion." The officers were reported in stable condition fro their wounds. (Source: New York Daily News online)

Whitehaven, UK. July, 2005. Police arrested a group of young men from Mirehouse, England, after a man, age 19, was stabbed with a sword. His injuries were not life-threatening and he was not detained in hospital. The sword used has not yet been traced. (Source: www.whitehaven-news.co.uk)

Nashua, New Hampshire. May, 2005. A man was arrested and charged with criminal threatening and criminal mischief after he threatened another motorist with a two-handed broadsword on the Henri Burque Highway at noon o a Sunday, threatening to “run through” another motorist, and popping a tire with the point of his sword. The incident occurred when the motorist exchanged angry words because the other driver was going too slowly. The then suspect retrieved from his SUV a sword with a two-handed hilt and blade more than 3 feet long. He then pierced one of the other driver’s tires with it and drove off. (Source: Nashua Telegraph Online)

Brisbane, Australia. March, 2005. Police have arrested and charged a man over an incident in Brisbane at the weekend in which a man and a woman had a samurai sword plunged through the rear window of their car. The couple were walking along Oxford Street at suburban Bulimba at around 11.30pm on Saturday when they were approached by a group of male youths. One of the youths sexually assaulted the woman before the couple fled to their car and drove off. They heard a loud crash and when they arrived at a nearby police station found a sword had been smashed through their rear window. Police later charged a 17-year-old youth involved with several offences. (Source: www.theage.com.au)

London, UK, March 2005. A man was beheaded in a frenzied and prolonged axe attack in a London street in Belsize Park near the Hampstead Theatre. The attacker was described as tall and thin, smartly-dressed and in his thirties, felled his victim with one blow and then struck repeatedly "as if he was chopping wood" according to witnesses. The assault lasted several minutes. The attacker ignored his victim's screams and the pleas of two women passers-by and workmen. He only stopped when police arrived. He then put down the axe near the body. He was described as looking "emotionless and cool" throughout. Several pedestrians on the morning school run were among those who saw the killing. Police said the victim was in his sixties and is thought to have lived nearby. A scaffolder working nearby saw a man carrying an axe in one hand above his head as he ran towards his victim. The men were seen to exchange a few words. Seconds later the axeman struck the first of a series of heavy blows which continued when the victim lay slumped on the pavement in a pool of blood. The workman said: "It was unremitting. The man with the axe ran at his victim and just laid into him. "He brought it down on his head and floored him. The victim had tried to defend himself with his arms and I heard him shout something. But it was hopeless. "Within seconds he was on the floor and his head had been split open. It was horrific." (Source: Evening Standard)

March 2005, Bahrain. Four sword-wielding masked men ribbed a gas station. After tying up the teller they smashed glass doors with their swords and stole cash from the register drawer before escaping in a car.

Arlington, TX, February 2005. A student at Arlington Lamar High School brought a sword and injured another student's face early in the morning. The victim was cut on his chin and was sent to a Hospital. He reportedly needed several stitches to the chin. School district superintendent said the attack was random. (Source: WFTV.com)

Witpoortjie, Roodepoort. South Africa. January, 2005. A man was arrested after he allegedly attempted to attack a policeman with a ninja sword. An officer was responding to a domestic violence complaint when he was attacked at the complex. He saw a husband brandishing a sword chasing a security guard. The guard managed to escape and the man then slashed his car tires and broke his windscreen. The police eventually managed to arrest the man, who first tried to threaten the officer with the sword. (source: www.iAfrica.com)

[ksiajdn]

As usual, we must remember two things:

1) Swords are weapons - they are dangerous;
2) Only wield a weapon if you know how to use it;
3) Avoid confrontations - you never know with who you're messing;
4) If you end up having to defend your life, then REALLY go for it and put the agressor down as quickly as possible.

Thanks for sharing, John

[Douglas L. Meek]

another reason why i think movies, and sword useing cartoons are evil

[s_taillebois]

Unfortunate series of events, and very problematic for perceptions of this as an art or sport needing discipline.
And M. Meek, your movie allusion is likely quite correct, insofar as the type of weapon involved seemed to be predominately katanas.
Might be appropriate to watch carefully our responses to various discussions, as soon might arise a need to defend Renn. fencing as a legitimate sport & art. Strange to even have to consider that, but given the recent proclaimations in the British media, likely wise to do so.
For those who were wounded, or left survivors from these incidents, hopefully what recovery can be made, will go well.

[John_Clements]

There's unfortunately far more of this listed on our "From the Fringe" page under the Essays section.

[Douglas L. Meek]

but look on the bright side, how many attacks are made without swords? Maybe not a bright side, but you could argue that many people with swords, don't hurt people.

The guys i know who collect guns, and the few people i know who collect swords, are the greatest guys i know. I think that people should hold and see a sword and a gun at least once in there lives. The people who have such "weapons" are much more mellow then the people i know who are (no offence to any one)"video game geeks" and the people who play sports.

My hunter friend comes over respectfully looks at my swords, and stuff and asks if he can see them. My gamer friends and my sports player friends normaly take without asking and swing them in the house! with people standing near them!

So I may be wrong but i think people should get to know swords and guns better, from all that i have seen the people who do are better people.

[s_taillebois]

Unfortunately, too much of what people know about swords is premised on the fantasies of games and movies. Hence the unstable fixate upon them as media for revenge, and others do not know how dangerous a sword could be, if used with ill will.
And that, gentry, is one of the better functions of an organization such as this one. Discipline, study, and experience tends to make one more aware of the power or terrible consequences possible when that sword is wielded. Something our ancestors knew, and we seemingly need to relearn.

[JeanryChandler]

I wonder how the number of annual sword injuries compares to say that of hammers, wood-cutting axes, crow-bars, tire-irons etc. etc.

Jr

[Rod-Thornton]

"I wonder how the number of annual sword injuries compares to say that of hammers, wood-cutting axes, crow-bars, tire-irons etc. etc." -JR

JR, it's under the etc. etc. philosophy that this comment is intended. One thing that I, as a cruising sailor, pay attention to are the piracy reports against cruising sailors aboard pleasure craft plying the world-wide waters. All across the proximate grounds (i.e., the coastal and carribean waters of the Americas) the prominant assault weapon is an edged one, namely an agricultural or fishing-style machete or long-knife for piracy and assaults/illegal boardings on pleasurecraft/sailing vessels. Indeed, one long-standing debate among the cruising community is "to-arm or not to arm" because of this piracy issue...and w/many foreign nations having very stiff firearm laws, blades are the norm for weaponry of petty assaults...and guns the (ahem) "double-edged sword" -if you'll forgive the pun- for the cruising sailor trying to balance protection against personal liability. Hence -to my mind, it makes sense that someone should also compile those sorts of edged weapon attacks as a "fringe" since a machete is much akin to a falchion for practical purposes in this debate, and edged weaponry training (WMA) is likely a good pursuit for cruisers. For anyone curious enough, 5 minutes on the internet should be enough to show the extent of the problem to pleasure/private craft cruisers.

[James Hudec]

Ugh.

I have to express disgust at these ugly (and in some cases downright stupid) examples, but then again, swords are weapons, and I don't think it should come as a surprise to anyone that they might occasionally be used as such, though no one in the mainstream media will likely manage to reach that conclusion.

One thing I wonder at though, is why someone would use a sword to attempt a hold-up. Why not something more easily concealable?

[s_taillebois]

One factor is cost. Although a cheap katana is just that, tire irons, kitchen knifes, bats etc are obviously easier to access.
And as noted, there are places where the edged weapon is the tool of choice for the sociopathic/psychotic contingent-such as here on the reservation or the situation mentioned with the ships. Probably the reason more incidents don't occur with swords is access. And those who train seriously with swords and other like weapons, often have enough discipline (both moral and physical control), not to be out doing violent and stupid things.
That, and obviously the firearm is primary in our society.

[Rod-Thornton]

James:

I'm not sure if you follow what I was saying. To clarify... my earlier post was indicating that the number of sword/sword-type attacks actually occurring today is likely UNDERINFLATED in the reporting record, because such documentable sources, as I explained, are likely not being added to the tally, as we tally 'em here on the 'fringe. Thus, with the problem (and yes, I see it as a criminal problem) it makes sense to have a greater awareness of it.

Now to the other part of why would someone use a sword? In many developing nations and outside the U.S./Canada, firearms are very difficult, if not impossible, to come by, as well as expensive. Now why would someone be robbing folks at sword-point -machete-point, knife's point, or gun-point? -That I cannot explain...except to say, cuz their criminals.

(by the by, has anyone read much about a latin gang whose notoriety seems to be in machete use across the Americas?)

[James Hudec]

James:

I'm not sure if you follow what I was saying. To clarify... my earlier post was indicating that the number of sword/sword-type attacks actually occurring today is likely UNDERINFLATED in the reporting record, because such documentable sources, as I explained, are likely not being added to the tally, as we tally 'em here on the 'fringe. Thus, with the problem (and yes, I see it as a criminal problem) it makes sense to have a greater awareness of it.

Now to the other part of why would someone use a sword? In many developing nations and outside the U.S./Canada, firearms are very difficult, if not impossible, to come by, as well as expensive. Now why would someone be robbing folks at sword-point -machete-point, knife's point, or gun-point? -That I cannot explain...except to say, cuz their criminals.

(by the by, has anyone read much about a latin gang whose notoriety seems to be in machete use across the Americas?)

My apologies Rod. Thanks for taking the time to clear that up for me.

[Bill Tsafa]

I have often thought to myself that in the event that someone broke into my house and tried to do harm to me or my girlfriend I would not use one of my many swords to defend my house. Instead I will pick up my 2.5 lb $15 axe which you see in my avatar to the left.

First off I train in the use of the axe just as I do with swords and an axe is highly effective. You can hack with the edge, thrust with the tip of the head and most importanly hook a leg with the head of the axe.

Second, when the police come they will take take the weapon used untill the issue is fully investigated. I would rather they take a $15 axe then a $250 sword.

Third, just to keep swords out of the negetive spotlight. There are too many overzellous politicians looking to make a name for themselves by outlawing even sharp pencils. Let them try to outlaw axes.

[John_Clements]

And already, just from January this year:

Fargo, ND. January 2006. A 46-year-old man was charged with attempted murder after attacking a 27-year-old man with a samurai sword after an afternoon altercation in his home. The two reportedly fought over the sword. The young man was by police found bleeding from several wounds including one entirely through his forearm. The older man had a stab wound to his stomach. The younger man was treated and released the older remained in the hospital. (source: www.in-forum.com)

Knoxville, TN. January, 2006. A 40-year-old man and his 20-year-old son were charged with aggravated robbery after entering a medical clinics in the afternoon with a “ninja-style sword” and demanding cash. (source: www.volunteertv.com)

Long Island, NY. January, 2006. A 23-year old man slashed a 37-year old man with a 3-foot “fantasy sword” when the victim got into a physical confrontation with the man’s mother at their apartment. The victim was brought with a slash wound to a hospital and put in intensive care. (source: www.newsday.com).

Duluth, MN. January, 2006. A 29-year old woman was killed in her apartment by sword stab to the heart and lungs from behind inflicted by a samurai she owned after a man she brought home from a bar attacked her. (source: www.duluthsuperior.com).