2/10/2006

Knife fight in D.C.!!! I got on the news!!!

Holy. Crap.

So I'm walking out of my office to go to the dentist yesterday. I'm passing the little mobile hot dog stand outside my office's front door (the corner of 17th and L, NW--this is the HEART of downtown people!) when I hear shouting from my left. I turn to see a homeless guy and a Hispanic guy arguing loudly. Many "f%$ks and "hijo de p#$as" were heard. Like any red-blooded American male, I hark back to sixth grade and hang out to see the inevitable punch-up. That's when I see the knife.

The homeless guy is holding a big ol' hunting knife with a blade that looks to be about four or five inches long! Woah. I grab my phone and scream at them, "I'm calling 911 right now!" in the hopes that it would make the homeless guy run off. They both ignore me. The hispanic guy goes over to his three friends, one of whom hands him a handled box cutter to defend himself with. This is getting uglier by the minute.

As I'm on the phone with 911, out of nowhere a paramilitary looking D.C. cop comes striding down the street, gun drawn, shouting at the dudes to get on the ground. They do. Then up runs a TV cameraman and reporter, who happened to be driving by at the right time. As the cop is starting to arrest the hispanic guy, I went to the cop and told him that he was only defending himself. (We found out on the news later that he was not charged, thankfully.) Other cops quickly arrive on the scene, one of which takes my detailed statement, and the TV crew interviews me. Crazy stuff.

And then, at 11 o'clock, comes my brief moment of stardom. Sweet! Already, I've heard from two of my printer contacts that saw my interview on the news...it's only a matter of time before Hollywood comes calling. I won't forget you all at the Oscars.

4 comments:

John Radcliff said...

Awwwww man, that was the perfect opportunity for the Judo Chop! Or, a swift Jimmy Shocker to the nads!
http://ffmedia.ign.com/filmforce/image/article/522/522794/jackie-chan-20040611014237307.jpg

MariGerard said...

WOW! Crazy day eh? Thanks for the note on my blog..I am totally gonna be ok. I am looking forward to getting my own place in the big city. I will be in MD the weekend of MArch 24th. I fly back monday night. I dunno what that weekend looks like for you guys but I would totally love to pop out to the house and see you all if you'll be around. I'll email Jenny soon with the details when I get my plane ticket this weekend.

John Radcliff said...

You should have gone over and given the guys the "Judo Chop"! Or, if you had your guitar with you....

Gabe said...

I guess I missed this post on your blog until now. Anyway, glad you're OK, Joe! And good for you for coming to the defense of the Hispanic guy.