Notes: Ninja Attack on U.S. Army Special Operations Unit

Overview

• Incident in California involving a man dressed in "full ninja garb."
• Attack on U.S. Army special operations unit at Inyokern Airport, Kern County.
• Happened on Sept. 18, a little after 1 a.m.
• Resulted in two injuries.

Details of the Incident

• Attacker Details:

  • Dressed as a ninja, wielding a katana sword.
  • Identified as Gino Rivera, 35 years old.
  • Involved in a confrontation with a staff sergeant.

• Initial Encounter:

  • Staff sergeant approached by the ninja while smoking a cigarette.
  • Ninja asked, "Do you know who I am?" and "Do you know where my family is?"
  • Upon negative responses, ninja began attacking with the sword.
  • Sergeant sustained injuries to leg and phone.

• Actions Taken:

  • Sergeant fled, joined by a captain, locked themselves in a building.
  • Ninja attacker attempted to break in, hitting doors and windows.
  • 911 was called, leading to police intervention.

Police and Arrest

• Response: Ridgecrest Police Department received a report at 1:19 a.m.

• Apprehension:

  • Ninja encountered on a nearby road.
  • Initially refused to comply with police orders.
  • Projectile rounds ineffective; Taser deployed.
  • Ninja disarmed and arrested.

• Charges:

  • Attempted homicide.
  • Assault with a deadly weapon.
  • Vandalism.
  • Obstructing or delaying a peace officer.

Military Unit Involved

• 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR), known as the "Night Stalkers."
• Unit was conducting training exercises.
• Capabilities include helicopter missions and night operations.
• Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, based at Fort Campbell, KY.

Outcome

• Both injured soldiers required stitches but returned to duty.

Additional Information

• This event gained attention through social media platforms like Instagram.
• Incident report shared by the Ridgecrest Police Department's blotter.

Conclusion

• Aggravated incident of assault by an individual impersonating a ninja on military personnel.
• Prompt police response and effective arrest, with charges pressed against the suspect.