Former Louisville police officer and anti-violence advocate assaulted during Dollar Tree shift

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A former Louisville police officer and rapper, who has dedicated his life to stopping violence, is now a victim himself.

Ray Barker Sr. was attacked at a local Dollar Tree where he was in the middle of working a shift early on Dec. 6. That's when he was hit in the face.

"Why would you assault someone who's trying to help you?" Barker said.

Barker has worn many hats in his lifetime, including veteran, Louisville Metro Police officer, rapper and anti-violence advocate. Generations of kids in Louisville remember Barker "Sir Friendly C," who went into schools and neighborhoods with his positive message.

Friends like Dennisha Rivers have only good things to say about Barker, calling him a good soul with a "good spirit. He would give you his last dollar."

For the last five years, Barker has managed the Dollar Tree on West Broadway, but Tuesday morning was unlike any shift he's ever worked before. That's when Barker said he caught a man stealing.

"I said 'you're at the Dollar Tree. There's nothing in here worth hurting anyone," Barker said. He tried to de-escalate the situation, and even offered to help the man.

"I said 'if you will allow me, I'll pay for everything you got. We won't call the police," he explained. Barker said that only made the thief angry.

"He struck me in the face, causing several teeth to bleed -- the inside of the gums to bleed, inside of the jaw to be swollen up," Barker said.

Rivers said she was alarmed by the attack. "It just really disturbed me to see that level of disrespect."

LMPD was called after Barker and another adult were hit, and Barker filed a police report.

After the attack, Rivers took to social media to share her disgust.

People from around Louisville and across state lines are now reaching out to Barker to share their sympathy. "I've heard from friends and retired police officers -- I haven't heard from them in years."

"If I didn't know I was loved, I know now," Barker beamed. "And I want my community to know I love you right back! Thank you."

Once shocked and hurt, Barker now said he's doing alright. Instead of staying angry, he now asks everyone to keep his attacker in their thoughts.

"I'm hoping that the same community that's been praying for my well-being prays for that young man's well-being, so we can get him on the right track," Barker said.

So far, LMPD has not made any arrests.

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Former Louisville police officer and anti-violence advocate assaulted during Dollar Tree shift