A California DJ is battling life-threatening injuries after stepping in to protect women being assaulted by more than ten attackers at a National City boat dock.
According to The Daily Caller, 33-year-old Ricky Haynes was packing up his equipment following a birthday party performance when he heard screams erupting from nearby on September 6.
The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. as Haynes was collecting his gear after performing aboard a small yacht. He immediately rushed toward the commotion when he heard people being pushed into the water and witnessed multiple attackers assaulting several women.
Heroic Intervention Leads To Severe Injury
Haynes described seeing "a bunch of people on top of the girls, two guys stomping on these girls" before taking action to defend them. He managed to push two of the alleged attackers off the women before someone shoved him into the water.
As Haynes pulled himself back onto the dock, one of the men allegedly stabbed him in the chest. A woman behind him alerted him to the stabbing, which he initially didn't realize had occurred in the chaos of the moment.
The attack resulted in a punctured lung, a broken rib, and a wound just inches from his heart. Blood poured from Haynes' wound as the group of alleged attackers fled the scene in their vehicles.
Medical Prognosis And Investigation Details
Doctors at the emergency room confirmed Haynes suffered severe injuries that will require months of recovery. "Even with pain medication, I have trouble breathing right now," Haynes told reporters about his current condition.
Police investigators revealed the violent confrontation apparently began when a woman from Haynes' party accidentally brushed against a female from the other group. This minor contact allegedly escalated into the brutal attack that left Haynes fighting for his life.
Despite his serious condition, Haynes maintains he would make the same choice again to protect others. "It was the right thing to do. Those girls could have gotten killed, stabbed," he said, showing no regrets about his intervention.
Ongoing Concerns And Community Support
Police are continuing to investigate the assault but have not yet announced any arrests in the case. Haynes has expressed concern about what might happen if the suspects aren't apprehended.
"It's scary. If they get away with this, more people will be stabbed," Haynes warned from his hospital bed. He added that he doesn't want anyone else to experience what he's going through.
The DJ expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal, acknowledging the severity of the attack. "Just glad to be alive. There were a lot of moments in that whole situation where I thought I was a goner," he reflected on the life-threatening encounter.
Community Rallies Around Injured Hero
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist Haynes with his medical expenses and recovery costs. The fundraising effort aims to support him through what doctors predict will be a lengthy healing process.
The story has gained attention across California, with NBC Palm Springs among the news outlets sharing Haynes' story on social media. His act of bravery has resonated with many in the community who are rallying to support his recovery.
The incident occurred at what should have been the routine conclusion of a birthday celebration where Haynes had performed as the DJ. Instead, it turned into a life-altering moment that has left him hospitalized with serious injuries.
