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Marine Beats Terrorist... Er, Orthodox Priest

Reservist may be guilty of hate crime in Tampa, police say

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 11, 2009 11:20 AM CST

(Newser) – A Marine reservist in Tampa chased down a terrorist and beat him with a tire iron—only the terrorist was actually a lost tourist and Greek Orthodox priest who spoke little English. Jasen D. Bruce went after Alexios Marakis after Marakis approached him asking for directions. Bruce chased him for three blocks, even calling 911 to tell police he was detaining Marakis, the St. Petersburg Times reports.

Bruce claimed the man grabbed his crotch and tried to rob him, and told cops Marakis was a terrorist and that he yelled "Allahu Akbar" (Arabic for "God is great"), though the Greek church is Christian. The reservist, who already had a lawyer with him at that time, has been charged with battery and police are investigating the possibility that he committed a hate crime.

These are Greek Orthodox priests--not the one Jasen D. Bruce allegedly beat up, though.
These are Greek Orthodox priests--not the one Jasen D. Bruce allegedly beat up, though.   (AP Photo/Nader Daoud)
Jasen Bruce is accused of beating a Greek Orthodox priest with a tire iron.
Jasen Bruce is accused of beating a Greek Orthodox priest with a tire iron.
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 35 comments
So_Cal_Larry
Nov 13, 2009 4:39 AM CST
Is Jasen wearing a dress now? He might be wearing lacy panties under his tight jeans.
So_Cal_Larry
Nov 12, 2009 6:56 AM CST
http://madabouttheboys.blogspo... There he is. Read the comments. He is most-likely a gay-for-pay hustler and basher. He's been arrested previously. It's more likely that this event was 'roid rage' than 'hate crime'.
Jes
Nov 12, 2009 4:09 AM CST
Whahaha! Thanks for that, Rem. If I didn't find bigot and stupid such turn offs that would be hot, as it is it's flipping hilarious. =p

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