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Paradise Nightmare: US Tourist Faces 12 Years for Forgotten Ammo

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For Ryan Watson, an American tourist, a dream Caribbean vacation quickly turned into a distressing ordeal filled with ‘terrifying interrogations’ and substantial living expenses, when four rounds of hunting ammunition were found hidden in his luggage. Watson and his wife had travelled to the island of Turks and Caicos for a leisure trip, one that saw them landing a potential 12-year prison term.

The couple, hailing from Oklahoma, made the journey in early April to join friends in celebrating their 40th birthdays. On the 12th of April, security personnel at Howard Hamilton International Airport discovered the ammunition, which had been inadvertently left in a duffel bag post a deer hunting trip, as detailed on a GoFundMe page set up on the family’s behalf.

Surprisingly, the ammunition made its way through security checks at their home airport, Will Rogers World Airport. The Transportation Security Administration is currently investigating this lapse in security.
“TSA is conducting a review at OKC, which was the originating airport,” the Transportation Security Administration said in a statement.

In Turks and Caicos, both Ryan and Valerie Watson faced charges for possession of ammunition, an offence that carries a minimum sentence of 12 years behind bars.

Watson reported to the Daily Mail that their arrest was followed by a “terrifying interrogation”. He added, “It was all pretty intimidating.”

Valerie commented on WBTS-TV, “When I heard that, I immediately was terrified because I was like, we can’t both be in prison for 12 years. We have kids at home. And this is such an innocent mistake that we didn’t even know we weren’t – we didn’t even know it was there. So yeah, my immediate thought was our kids and them being, you know, parentless for, for that long.”

Valerie, an elementary school teacher, was eventually cleared of the charges and returned home to be with their children.

In an attempt to secure Ryan’s release, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt reached out to the Turks and Caicos Islands government.
“The Watsons are upstanding members of their community and the State of Oklahoma, and I can assure you countless others stand willing to confirm their high moral characters,” Stitt wrote.

“First and foremost, the Watsons are devoted parents,” Stitt said. “Their two young children, Van and Ellie, need their parents home without delay. Mr. and Mrs. Watson would never intentionally break the law. Again, they are unwavering in moral character, reliable neighbors, and devoted community members.”

Ryan Watson, after nearly two weeks in custody, was able to secure his release by paying a $15,000 bond. There were conditions attached, including forfeiting his passport and staying within the country’s boundaries, while also regularly reporting to local authorities.

The involuntary extended stay in Turks and Caicos has resulted in significant expenses for Watson. He has reportedly been residing in a $500-a-night Airbnb, financially supported by his in-laws.

A GoFundMe set up for the Watson family has garnered close to $210,000 in donations to cover legal and living expenses.

The next court appearance for Watson is slated for June 7th.


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Preparedness

Concealed Carrier Defends Against Alleged Threat in Road Rage Incident

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A recent road rage incident in Illinois escalated to gunfire when a concealed-carrying motorist felt threatened by an approaching individual. The confrontation unfolded at the intersection of Busey Avenue and Park Street in Urbana, drawing a swift response from local police.

The altercation began as a verbal dispute between a man driving alone and a couple in another vehicle. Tensions rose when the solo driver attempted to distance himself from the pursuing pair by pulling into a hospital emergency room parking lot before exiting onto Park Street.

As the situation intensified, the couple continued their pursuit, stopping their car at Park Street. The female driver armed herself with a baseball bat, while her male passenger approached the lone motorist.

The solo driver, who held a concealed-carry permit, reported that the approaching male appeared to have his hand under his shirt, suggesting he might be armed. In response, the driver drew his legally concealed firearm and fired multiple shots, striking the male passenger.

Following the shooting, the driver promptly called 911 to report the incident. The injured male was transported to a local hospital, where he underwent surgery and was placed in intensive care.

Authorities are actively investigating the incident, and no arrests have been made at this time. The police encourage anyone with information to come forward, offering options for private discussions or anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.


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Mom’s Bold Confrontation Sparks Gunfire at Popeyes Showdown

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In Jacksonville, Florida, a mother took matters into her own hands to confront an 18-year-old man who was allegedly engaging in inappropriate text exchanges with her 13-year-old daughter. The confrontation, which took place at a local Popeyes restaurant, escalated dramatically and ended with the suspect being shot.

According to Jacksonville Sheriff’s Chief of Investigations Alan Parker, the suspect, Cerry Rodriques Banks, had been involved in “an inappropriate text relationship with a 13-year-old female.” Upon discovering these communications, the girl’s mother decided to intervene directly. She assumed her daughter’s identity by using her phone to communicate with Banks, setting up a meeting with him at the restaurant early on a Sunday morning.

When Banks arrived, he was expecting to meet the young girl but was instead confronted by the mother, her daughter, and her 11-year-old son. During the encounter, Banks allegedly pulled out a gun and ominously warned the mother, “When you hear the shots tonight, you know what’s up.”

The mother quickly ushered her children into the safety of the Popeyes and alerted the authorities. Despite having the opportunity to leave the scene, Banks remained outside the restaurant. When police officers arrived, they instructed Banks to “turn around and show his hands,” but he ignored the commands and attempted to flee.

“As the officer reaches the corner of the business, he observes the suspect pull the pistol from his waistband,” Parker explained. The officer, who has seven years of experience, ordered Banks to drop the weapon. When Banks did not comply, the officer fired, hitting Banks multiple times.

“The suspect continues to flee and, near a neighboring business, drops the gun,” Parker added. Banks managed to escape temporarily but was later captured in a drainage tunnel with the help of a K-9 unit. He sustained injuries to his hand, torso, and possibly his leg, and was provided medical care before being transported to a hospital.

Authorities recovered the firearm, which had not been discharged during the incident. Banks now faces several charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, lewd and lascivious conduct, unlawful use of a communication device, and traveling to meet a minor for illicit purposes.

Jacksonville Sheriff T. K. Waters acknowledged the mother’s concern for her daughter but emphasized that such situations should be handled by law enforcement. “We’d absolutely love to handle every situation, but this is a mother who’s concerned about her daughter. So, I get it, I understand,” Waters stated. “But, I would say that in most cases, in situations like that, call us and let us come out and deal with the situation, so it doesn’t unfold like this.”


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Concealed-Carry Motorcyclist Defends Against Hammer-Wielding Aggressor

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A concealed-carry motorcyclist was involved in a fatal incident in Maryland last week, which police have described as a road-rage confrontation. The motorcyclist, a 22-year-old with a valid Maryland concealed handgun carry permit, was traveling near Maryland Route 10 and Furnace Branch Road when he encountered an aggressive driver.

According to reports, the motorcyclist noticed another vehicle tailgating him and behaving erratically. The situation escalated when the driver, identified as 51-year-old Scott David Guhse, pulled alongside the motorcyclist, shouting at him. The two nearly collided during the encounter.

Anne Arundel County police spokesman Justin Mulcahy explained, “At a certain point, he was sort of forced off the road, and then stopped. He ultimately had to lay down his bike.” The confrontation reached a critical point when both individuals stopped on East Furnace Branch Road at Margate Drive.

It was there that Guhse allegedly charged at the motorcyclist with a hammer. In response, the motorcyclist drew his handgun and fired, resulting in Guhse’s death at the scene, according to fire officials. The motorcyclist remained at the scene following the incident, cooperating with authorities.

“I heard a pop. I thought it sounded like gunfire,” Hyung Chang, owner of Against Our Odds Vape Shop in Glen Burnie, recounted. “Ten to 15 minutes later, started having police and everything show up.”

Chang remarked on the frequency of such incidents in the area, noting, “It’s unfortunate,” and adding that he witnesses similar altercations at least once a month. “People have to learn to tone things down a little bit and not take things so personal,” he advised.


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