A mugger on parole for attempted robbery attempted to rob two men, but they quickly turned the tables on him. The intended victims fought back, overpowering the would-be thief and causing his death. Some question whether the victims went too far in their act of self-defense. However, let’s examine the details and determine for ourselves.
The incident took place on Staten Island at around 1:55 am on a Sunday. Robert Compton, a 33-year-old man out on parole for attempted robbery, approached the two men near Pacific Avenue and St. Albans Place in the Eltingville neighborhood. According to reports, Compton demanded their belongings using threatening language. Little did he know that his plans would backfire.
Despite Compton appearing armed, the victims fought back using their knowledge of martial arts to defend themselves. One of the men managed to seize Compton’s gun, which turned out to be fake. They engaged in a physical struggle, eventually restraining Compton. While one of the men held him in a chokehold, the other called the police for assistance. During the confrontation, Compton lost consciousness, and despite resuscitation attempts by the police, he succumbed to his injuries. Both men who defended themselves suffered only minor injuries.
It was later revealed that Compton had a lengthy criminal history, including grand larceny and assaulting a police officer. He had already served over four years in prison for attempted robbery before being paroled. However, even with his troubled past, Compton’s family raised questions about his death during an attempted robbery with a fake weapon. They felt that the circumstances warranted further investigation and questioned why the men didn’t simply subdue Compton and call the police.
On the other hand, the victims’ lawyer claimed that they were hard-working individuals who fell victim to a terrifying armed robbery by a career criminal. He praised the thorough investigation conducted by the District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD. Additionally, a neighbor vouched for one of the victims, describing him as a stand-up person who was unlikely to be involved in such incidents.
While Compton’s family may struggle to reconcile the events with their image of him, it’s important to consider the perspective of the victims. In a fight-or-flight situation, fueled by fear and adrenaline, people can react instinctively to protect their lives. When faced with a weapon, real or perceived, one cannot predict their response. The victims likely felt threatened by the pointed gun, regardless of its authenticity, triggering a survival instinct that led them to fight back with intensity.
This incident serves as a reminder that brandishing a weapon, even if it’s fake, can elicit a response from victims who genuinely perceive it as a threat to their lives. The case of Robert Compton highlights the unintended consequences that can arise when individuals engage in criminal acts. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to form their own opinion on whether the victims went too far in defending themselves, considering the circumstances and the fear they experienced.
