Violence erupts at Bradenton homeless camp. Out came the nunchucks and knife, cops say

Violence broke out at an area homeless camp Tuesday night in the woods behind a business in the 6400 block of 14th Street West, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. One person was stabbed.

Deputies say the fight began when one man confronted another about how he was treating his ex-girlfriend. Deputies say Richard Barker, 52, was with the ex-boyfriend to confront the other man.

A fistfight broke out with Barker jumping in to help beat the first victim, according to the arrest report.

Another homeless man saw the two men beating up the first victim and came to his aid, deputies say.

Barker pulled out nunchucks and began to beat the second man with them. The second victim pulled a knife and managed to stab Barker in the mid torso area in self defense, deputies say.

A homeless woman walked onto the scene as the second victim was stabbing at Barker to keep him at bay and assumed Barker was the victim. She quickly handed Barker a 2x4 piece of wood, who began swinging it at the second victim, deputies say.

According to the report, Barker soon realized he was bleeding from being stabbed and left the area to seek help.

Deputies were already responding to a call about the fight and arrived to locate Barker nearby. After investigating the incident, Barker was taken into custody and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Barker was booked into the Manatee County jail on the charges. He posted bonds totaling $5,000 and was released the same day.