- You'd think once he saw the axe he'd have just... split.
You never know when you’ll need to fight for life, and when your axe will be one of the only reasons you’re still alive! Ben Ball, thankfully, was prepared for this…
Oshtemo Township, Michigan
Ben Ball is a thirty-six-year-old who lives in Oshtemo Township, Michigan. On the 5th, his home was invaded by a convicted felon. He used a battle axe replica to keep him at bay. Thirty-three-year-old Alex Lavell Rawls is now in jail facing a charge of first-degree home invasion, which could put him in prison for a maximum twenty years.
Is There A Reason The Intruder Came?
Mr. Ball told WOODTV.com that Mr. Rawls dated Mr. Ball’s former roommate. Mr. Rawls showed up at the apartment around 11:30 pm, thinking the former roommate was there. He knocked on the door several times before kicking it in, while Mr. Ball was in his apartment playing video games and watching ‘Rick and Morty.’ Mr. Ball said he had reason to suspect he had a firearm.
The Fight
“The door opened, I grabbed the axe, then step, step, hit.” The axe hit Rawl in the chest and then the two started grappling, destroying the apartment. “There was blood everywhere,” said Mr. Ball. Rawl eventually gave up and ran. Mr. Ball then called the police. They followed the blood trail and apprehended Rawl. Kalamazoo County officials said that Rawl spent the night at a hospital with substantial wounds before being transferred to jail.
Willing To Bet He Did NOT Expect To Run Into A Guy Who Spends His Weekends Fight People With Axes…
Mr. Ball owns a lot of weaponry, that he keeps around his apartment, styled after the weapons Vikings and Barbarian warrior used. When he’s not working at Applebee’s, he participates in events where people compete in ritualized combat. “I’ve got a double-headed carbon steel battle ax that was homemade by a gentleman who has since passed. That’s what I call my baby,” Mr. Ball said.
Records
The court records show that Rawls was discharged from the Michigan Department of Corrections last July. His criminal record includes assaulting and disarming a police officer and fleeing and eluding the police. Rawls was being held in jail until the 8th. Kalamazoo County Under-sheriff Jim VanDyken said avoiding confrontation with a robber is usually the best course, but that people have the right to protect themselves, especially in their own home. Mr. Ball said he is glad he spent a lot of time practicing with the axe.