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DJ stabbed while protecting women from attackers on boat dock in National City

DJ stabbed while protecting women from attackers on boat dock in National City

A birthday party at a National City dock ended in violence when a local DJ was stabbed after intervening to protect several women from being attacked.

On September 6, around 9:30 p.m., 33-year-old Ricky Haynes had just finished performing on a small yacht and was packing up his equipment when he heard screams. Rushing to the dock, he saw several men stomping on women.

“I push two guys off the two girls. Another guy from behind me pushes me into the water,” Haynes recalled. “As I was pulling myself out of water, I felt something come up to me and push me. One of the girls behind me said, ‘you just got stabbed.’”

The knife wound punctured his lung, broke a rib, and came within inches of his heart. Despite the severity of his injuries, Haynes managed to apply pressure to his wound until help arrived. He was rushed to the emergency room, where doctors confirmed a punctured lung and broken rib. His recovery is expected to take several months.

“Even with pain medication, I have trouble breathing right now,” Haynes said. “But it was the right thing to do. Those girls could have gotten killed.”

According to police, the altercation started after a woman from Haynes’ group brushed against a woman from another group. Authorities say more than 10 people were involved, but the attackers fled in their vehicles.

Haynes hopes his story will bring witnesses forward. “It’s scary. If they get away with this, more people will be stabbed. I just want to make sure no one else goes through this,” he said.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Haynes with medical bills and expenses. Anyone with information is asked to contact the National City Police investigations division at 619-336-4460.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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By: CNN Newsource

September 16, 2025

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DJ stabbed while protecting women from attackers on boat dock in National City