A woman was thrust to the floor in the middle of a Walmart as a man attacked her and tore her clothes. As soon as her first scream was heard, however, three male customers nearby were ready to rumble — and it was all caught on video.
Customers and employees at a Walmart in Miami-Dade County were in for a shock when they heard shrieks of terror coming from one of the aisles. Incredibly, a group of strangers united to save a woman from a man, later identified as Brendan Jarmal Harvey, who attempted to sexually assault her.
According to WPLG, the victim told police that she had been shopping when someone came up behind her and suddenly lifted up her dress to grope her buttocks. When she turned around, the culprit shoved her to the ground, forcing himself on top of her.
The woman screamed as the man reportedly tore off her underwear, intending to rape her in spite of all the witnesses just feet away. Fortunately, her cries attracted a crowd, which rushed to see what the commotion was about. Within an instant, three good Samaritans were on top of the attempted rapist.
The first man jumped on the suspect’s back to try to pull him off the woman. Then, two others rushed into the fray, tearing the man off his victim. When the suspect tried to get away, the men pursued him, catching up to him just a few aisles away from the scene.
The heroes grabbed the culprit and attempted to restrain him. When he tried to fight back, the men forced him to his hands and knees before ultimately placing him in a hold. The video then cuts out before the police arrive to arrest the suspect.
Police identified the suspect as 28-year-old Brendan Jarmal Harvey. He was arrested and charged with attempted rape. Miami-Dade Police commended the men who stopped him, stating that they ensured the woman “resisted further attacks” from Harvey, The Police Tribune reports.
Brendan Jarmal Harvey appeared before Judge Mindy S. Glazer, who conveyed that she was deeply moved by the details of the attack, saying aloud that the ordeal was “pretty disturbing.” She ordered Harvey to stay away from his victim and the Walmart in which the alleged crime was committed. His bond was set at $50,000.
Disturbingly, Harvey was already on probation when the attack occurred, leading many to believe that he is too dangerous to be released. The Miami-Dade Police Department said that investigators were concerned there may be other victims, considering how brazen and unusual the attack was. They are urging anyone who may be a victim to come forward so that they may appropriately charge Harvey.
In an age in which many aspects of intrinsic masculinity are denounced as toxic, the heroic display of men wielding their strength to defend the vulnerable is an admirable tale as old as time. Without this well-managed militancy, those who abuse their power would have free reign over the weak.
Seeing these complete strangers rush to the defense of someone in danger without hesitation restores a little faith in humanity. There are still men who are willing to risk their own safety to protect the defenseless.
