Officer Brian Moore in critical condition after being shot in Queens, New York
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NEW YORK (Associated Press) — A police officer shot in the head while attempting to stop a man suspected of carrying a handgun was hospitalized in critical but stable condition Sunday and a suspect was in custody in the case, the fifth shooting of a New York City officer in as many months, officials said.
Officer Brian Moore, 25, underwent surgery after being rushed in a patrol car to a Queens hospital Saturday evening after he and his partner pulled up in an unmarked police car to a man who was adjusting his waistband suspiciously, police Commissioner William Bratton said.
The officers exchanged words with the man before he turned suddenly and fired at least twice, striking Moore, Bratton said. His partner, Officer Erik Jansen, 30, radioed for help.
"They did not have an opportunity to get out and return fire," the commissioner said at a Saturday night news conference at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with Mayor Bill de Blasio and other officials.
Law enforcement flooded the Queens Village neighborhood following the shooting — police helicopters flew overhead, officers searched house by house and some could be seen walking on roofs. About 90 minutes later, police arrested Demetrius Blackwell, 35, near the crime scene in a house on the block where he lives, officials said.
No weapon was found and, as of early Sunday, Blackwell had not been charged. It wasn't clear if he has a lawyer.
After the shooting, witnesses described Blackwell to responding officers and pointed them in the direction he ran, Bratton said.
De Blasio said the shooting was a painful reminder of the risks officers take every day.
"Our hearts are with his family, his loved ones," the mayor said. "Our hearts are with his extended family, the men and women of the NYPD."
Moore, who comes from a family of police officers, has been on the job since July 2010.
The shooting instantly evoked fears of the December slayings of two uniformed officers as they sat in their patrol cars in Brooklyn by a man who posted online that he was seeking retribution against officers for the death of Eric Garner in an apparent chokehold by police.
The shootings of Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos strained an already tense relationship between city police unions and de Blasio. Patrolmen's Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch turned his back on the mayor at a hospital the day of the killings and said de Blasio had "blood on his hands."
But Saturday night, Lynch was among the officials who attended the news conference and could be seen shaking the mayor's hand and speaking briefly with him afterward.
Bratton said Blackwell has a criminal record that includes a weapons possession charge, but the suspect made no such anti-police postings and was being pursued by the anti-crime officers because of his behavior.
Neighbors near the scene of the shooting were surprised by the violence and described the residential area with many two- and three-family homes as quiet and safe.
"You walk down the street, no trouble," said Sandreaus Adam, 52. "This is not a neighborhood where you're just going to hear shots."
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Associated Press writers Jake Pearson and Tom Hays contributed to this report.
LAS VEGAS (Associated Press) — The pressure of a $180 million payday never got to Floyd Mayweather Jr., even if the richest fight ever wasn't the best.
Using his reach and his jab Saturday night, Mayweather frustrated Manny Pacquiao, piling up enough points to win a unanimous decision in their welterweight title bout. Mayweather remained unbeaten in 48 fights, cementing his legacy as the best of his generation.
After the fight, it was disclosed that Pacquiao injured his right shoulder in training and that Nevada boxing commissioners denied his request to take an anti-inflammatory shot in his dressing room before the fight.
Pacquiao chased Mayweather around the ring most of the fight. But he was never able to land a sustained volume of punches, as Mayweather worked his defensive wizardry again.
Two ringside judges scored the fight 116-112, while the third had it 118-110. The Associated Press had Mayweather ahead 115-113.
"I take my hat off to Manny Pacquiao. I see now why he is at the pinnacle of boxing," Mayweather said. "I knew he was going to push me, win some rounds. I wasn't being hit with a lot of shots until I sit in a pocket and he landed a lot of shots."
The bout wasn't an artistic triumph for either fighter, with long periods where both men fought cautiously.
Pacquiao threw far fewer punches than he normally does in a fight, with Mayweather actually throwing more.
That was largely because Pacquiao didn't throw his right hand often. Promoter Bob Arum said Pacquiao injured his shoulder sometime after March 11.
Arum said Pacquiao's camp thought he would be allowed the anti-inflammatory shot because he had gotten them during training and they had been approved by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. But he said paperwork filed with the commission didn't check the injury box, and the Nevada commission ruled against the request for a shot.
"The ruling made tonight affected the outcome of the fight," Arum said.
Nevada Athletic Commission chairman Francisco Aguilar said Pacquiao's camp wanted shots that included lidocaine, a drug that numbs the affected area. But he said Pacquiao's representatives didn't check the injury box after the weigh-in Friday, and the commission had no way of knowing how serious the injury was or what it could be treated with.
"I have no proof an injury actually exists and I can't make a ruling based on what they're telling me," Aguilar said.
Still, Pacquiao thought he had won the bout, largely on the basis of a few left hands that seemed to shake Mayweather.
"I thought I won the fight. He didn't do nothing except move outside," Pacquiao said. "I got him many times."
There were no knockdowns, and neither fighter seemed terribly hurt at any time. Pacquiao landed probably the biggest punch in the fight in the fourth round — a left hand that sent Mayweather into the ropes — but he wasn't able to consistently land against the elusive champion.
The fight was a chess match, with Mayweather using his jab to keep Pacquiao away most of the fight. Pacquiao tried to force the action, but Mayweather was often out of his reach by the time he found his way inside.
"He's a very awkward fighter, so I had to take my time and watch him close," Mayweather said.
Mayweather fought confidently in the late rounds, winning the last two rounds on all three scorecards. In the final seconds of the fight he raised his right hand in victory and after the bell rang stood on the ropes, pounding his heart with his gloves.
"You're tough," he said to Pacquiao, hugging him in the ring.
It was vintage Mayweather, even if it didn't please the crowd of 16,507. They cheered every time Pacquiao threw a punch, hoping that he would land a big shot and become the first fighter to beat Mayweather.
But a good percentage of what he threw never landed. Mayweather often came back with straight right hands, then moved away before Pacquiao could respond.
"I thought we pulled it out," Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said. "I asked my man to throw more combinations between rounds. I thought he fought flat-footed too many times."
Ringside punch stats showed Mayweather landing 148 punches of 435, while Pacquiao landed 81 of 429. The volume for Pacquiao was a lot lower than the 700 or more he usually throws.
Five years in the making, the fight unfolded before a glittering crowd of celebrities, high rollers and people who had enough money to pay for ringside seats going for $40,000 and up. Before it did, though, it was delayed about a half hour because cable and satellite systems were having trouble keeping up with the pay-per-view demand.
They paid big money to watch two superstars fight for their legacies — and in Pacquiao's case his country — in addition to the staggering paydays for both.
Pacquiao had vowed to take the fight to Mayweather and force him into a war. His camp thought Mayweather's 38-year-old legs weren't what they once were.
"He is moving around, not easy to throw punches when people moving around," Pacquiao said. "When he stayed, I threw a lot of punches. That's a fight."
But Mayweather moved well. His only real moment of trouble came in the fourth round when Pacquiao landed his left hand and then flurried to Mayweather's head on the ropes, but he escaped and shook his head at Pacquiao as if to say he wasn't hurt.
In the corner, Mayweather's father, Floyd Sr. kept yelling at his son to do more. But Mayweather was content to stick with what was working and not take a risk that could cost him the fight.
"I'm a calculated fighter, he is a tough competitor," Mayweather said. "My dad wanted me to do more but Pacquiao is an awkward fighter."
Mayweather said that his fight in September against a yet-to-be-determined opponent would be his last.
"I'm almost 40 years old now. I've been in the sport 19 years and have been a champion for 18 years. I'm truly blessed."
Mayweather is also very rich, getting 60 percent of the approximately $300 million purse, depending on pay-per-view sales. The live gate alone was more than $70 million, and the bout was expected to easily smash the pay-per-view record of 2.48 million buys set in 2007 when Mayweather fought Oscar De La Hoya.
But while the frenzy over the fight pushed up tickets to 3-4 times their retail price the week of the fight, prices dropped dramatically as the fight neared and some tickets were being resold for less than face value.
Boxing fans called for the fight to be made five years ago, when both men were in their undisputed prime. But squabbles over promoters, drug testing and a variety of other issues sidelined it until Pacquiao beat Chris Algieri in November and immediately launched a campaign to get the fight made.
When they finally got it, it wasn't the fight it might have been five years ago. But it was enough to settle the question that boxing fans had asked for years — who would win the big welterweight matchup of the best fighters of their time.
After assisting Nicki Minaj with securing her worldwide stardom, her former fiance Safaree has emerged from the background to erect his own path to fame. Within this portion of his recent VladTV interview, SB discusses his thoughts on how other artists hollered at Nicki following their break-up, and his thoughts on the possibility of rekindling the love affair with the "Pinkprint" lyricist.
When asked about his opinion on Drake using social media to get Nicki's attention following the breakup, SB offers, "I didn't even know he did that." He then states, "I look at that stuff as entertainment. I don't take none of that to heart." As the convo moves to cover Nicki's current relationship with Philly rapper Meek Mill, Safaree offers the matter-of-fact assessment, "it is what it is," adding, "if that's who she chooses to be with it don't have nothing to do with me."
As the conversation continues, SB Stunts assures that he isn't bothered about his life sans Nicki because he is not a bitter or jealous person, and is actually the happiest he's been in "God knows how long."
Check out the full clip to hear Safaree address the rumor he hooked up with K. Michelle and more.
Check out the latest freestyles fromStyles P. The Loxemcee recruits frequent collaboratorChris Riversfor"Ghost to the Riches"and adds another one entitled "Give Me Your Ghost."
Follow Styles P and Chris Rivers on Twitter @therealstylesp @OnlyChrisRivers
Legend Lexington Steele exclusively told VladTV that "it's never really bothered" him that certain women refuse to shoot a scene with him because he's Black, but he's surely noticed that there's a substantial difference in the numbers he accumulates versus someone who can work with all of the women in the industry.
Steele says that women in the entertainment industry who "choose to not include interracial" are really just "shorting" themselves a significant amount of money by not doing the scenes. "For those that choose to not do certain things for their own personal reasons, the flip side is they're not making the same amount of money [as those who do]." says Lex. He also added that "it's impossible for them to achieve the same levels of popularity" as opposed to the White women who will sleep with Black men on film.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. will have the support of thousands of fans heading into his May 2nd fight with Manny Pacquiao. More importantly, 50 Cent will be at the event to lend moral support.
The two linked up, along with Power actor Omari Hardwick, at the weigh-in Friday, May 1, for the fight of the century.
The biggest fight of the century goes down Saturday, May 2, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. will battle Manny Pacquiao for boxing supremacy. The weigh-ins took place on Friday, May 1. Watch the fighters step on the scale below.
On Friday, May 1, Marilyn Mosby, Baltimore state's attorney, outlined in detail the charges against six police officers alleged to have been involved in the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray.
Take a look at their photos, identifications and list of charges against them below.
The charges:
-- Officer Caesar R. Goodson Jr.: Second-degree depraved heart murder, involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, manslaughter by vehicle, misconduct in office. -- Officer William G. Porter: Involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office. -- Lt. Brian W. Rice: Involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office, false imprisonment. -- Officer Edward M. Nero: Second-degree assault, misconduct in office, false imprisonment. -- Officer Garrett Miller: Second-degree assault, misconduct in office, false imprisonment. -- Sgt. Alicia D. White: Manslaughter, second-degree assault, misconduct in office.
Charges against Officer Caesar Goodson Jr., 45, who was the driver of a police van that carried Freddie Gray through the streets of Baltimore: Second-degree murder, manslaughter, second-degree assault, two vehicular manslaughter charges and misconduct in office.
Charges against Baltimore Police Officer William Porter in the death of Freddie Gray: Involuntary Manslaughter (up to 10 years); Second Degree Assault (up to 10 years); and Misconduct in office (no term listed).
Charges against Lt. Brian Rice, 41, in the death of Freddie Gray: Involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault and misconduct in office.
Charges against Sgt. Alicia White, 30, in the death of Freddie Gray: Involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault and misconduct in office.
Charges against Officer Edward Nero, 29, in the death of Freddie Gray: Second-degree assault and misconduct in office
Charges against Baltimore Police Officer Garrett Miller in the death of Freddie Gray: Assault, second degree (up to 10 years); Assault, second degree (up to 10 years); Misconduct in office; Misconduct in office; False imprisonment.
With the big fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao going down on Saturday May 2nd, 50 Cent stopped by ESPN's 1st Take to chop it up.
He breaks down why Floyd will win, ending their beef, Manny's mom practicing voodoo and has father eating his dog, Money May approaching the end of his career, his upcoming role in the movie Southpaw and more.
Here's a new song from Ciara featuring Pitbull and Missy Elliot entitled "That's How I'm Feelin.' This is off of Cici's forthcoming album, Jackie, which will arrive on May 4th. Pre-order it now from iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/jackie-deluxe/id983798746.
Prepare to put this one on repeat for about 20 minutes.Styles PandJadakissofThe Loxteam up for a new banger entitled"Block Work."This is a remix ofCam'RonandProdigy'sclassic collaboration,"Losin Weight."
Follow Jadakiss and Styles P on Twitter @TheRealKiss @therealstylesp
RIZSELFMADE affiliate Joe Lite drops off some new heat for fans to enjoy. Continuing the growing trend of rapper's remixing classic tunes, Joe goes in over Jay Z's "A Week Ago."
Ty Nitty drops off a new 34-track mixtape entitled Smells Like Queensbridge. Features include Vinny Thunn, Sadat X, Yung Aura, Havoc, Bishop Brooks, Paparazzi Pone, Blaq Poet, Cazmere, Big Noyd, Infamous Mobb, Havoc and more.
Stream and download it up top.
Also check out Ty's new music video for "They Don't Love Me" featuring Vinny Thunn below.
BALTIMORE (Associated Press) — Baltimore's top prosecutor announced criminal charges Friday against all six officers suspended after a man suffered a fatal spinal injury in police custody, saying "no one is above the law."
"Mr. Gray's death was a homicide," State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby declared. His arrest was illegal and his treatment in custody amounted to murder and manslaughter, she said.
Freddie Gray being arrested
The announcement came after nearly two weeks of growing anger over Freddie Gray's death, and only hours after Mosby received the results of the internal police investigation and an official autopsy report. As Mosby spoke, the city was bracing for huge crowds in two more waves of protests Friday and Saturday.
Mosby announced the stiffest charge -- second-degree "depraved heart" murder -- against the driver of the police van. Other officers face charges of involuntary manslaughter, assault and illegal arrest.
The officers failed to get medical help even though Gray requested it repeatedly after he was chased down and pinned to a sidewalk on April 12 and hoisted into the van. At some point while he was in custody, he suffered a mysterious spinal injury and died a week later.
Mosby said the switchblade officers accused Gray of illegally carrying clipped inside his pants pocket was in fact a legal knife, and no justification for his arrest, which she said was illegal.
Mosby said she comes from five generations of police officers, and that the charges against these six officers should in no way damage the relationship between police and prosecutors in Baltimore.
She swiftly rejected a request from the Baltimore police officers union asking her to appoint a special independent prosecutor because of her ties to attorney Billy Murphy, who is representing Gray's family. Murphy was among Mosby's biggest campaign contributors last year, donating the maximum individual amount allowed, $4,000, in June. Murphy also served on Mosby's transition team after the election.
Fraternal Order of Police local president Gene Ryan told Mosby in a letter before the charges were announced Friday that none of the six suspended officers were responsible for Gray's death.
The state medical examiner's office said it sent the autopsy report to prosecutors Friday morning. Spokesman Bruce Goldfarb says the Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner will not release the report publicly while the case is under investigation.
Doggie Diamonds recently caught up with Noreaga to discuss his recently squashed beef with Nas. The feud finally ran it's course after eight long years.
N.O.R.E. discussed how the reconciliation came about and a possible new collaboration between the two.
Philadelphia rapper Ar-Ab recently sat down with Mikey T The Movie Star for an exclusive interview.
The Original Block Hustlaz boss explains the title of his new mixtape, Mud Muzik 2: Motivation Under Distress, talks losing his mother and grandmother one month apart, having to go to the trap house the same day his mom passed because he had to be the provider for his entire family and getting shot 13 times within a 5-month span.
Celebrated for her world renowned adult acting chops, Pinky recently visited VladTV for an exclusive interview, and this section details her thoughts on how race is such a big factor in her profession.
The industry may present a veneer of open love, but Pinky contends, "That free love is for the fans to forget the business and think that it's all fantasy. That free love is for the artist to forget how much the companies are making off them -and they're not even charging enough - and they're just getting what they're getting for a scene."
As the dialogue delves into the topic of interracial scenes, she speaks on why there's a larger market for scenes depicting black men hooking up with white women, as opposed to white men with black women. Pinky frankly says, "I believe more white men have a fantasy; it's more of a fetish and fantasy to see a white woman get d**ked down by some mandingo African."
Watch the full clip to hear more of Pinky's thoughts on how race factors into porn.
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