A brave bystander is being hailed a hero after body-slamming a man who was attempting to grab a police officer’s firearm as he was being arrested. Utah police officer Austin Williams was responding to a call in Provo when he was suddenly attacked.
The suspect resisted arrest and punched officer Williams before fleeing. But he wasn’t to get very far. Out of nowhere, an unidentified good Samaritan took him down with a huge tackle.
https://www.facebook.com/provopd/videos/1839858946057779/
“I was like holy cow that was NFL hardest hits kind of stuff,’ Officer Williams explained to KSTU-TV.
The suspect was later identified as Emiliano Medina. Williams recalled attempting to restrain the man but failing to get him securely placed in handcuffs.
“I tried to trip him and put him on the ground and as soon as he went down he pushed back up and at that point was able to pull away from my grasp,” the officer said. “Right as he’s catching up to the guy, another guy comes around and kind of gets in his way and shoulder checks him and stops him.”
In a Facebook post, the police department added, “Chief Ferguson wants to thank that person for coming to the aid of an officer in need.”
“We take pride in serving and protecting in Provo so we are grateful to the unknown person who returned the favor and helped us safely take a dangerous person into custody,” the post continued.
Many people commented on the video to congratulate the man on a wonderful piece of skill in taking down the suspect so easily.
“I love watching this! I love seeing average citizens stepping up to help,” one person wrote on Facebook. “I find it funny how naturally and easily that guy took him down too. He must have played football or something.”
Another person gave officer Williams a shoutout: “Officer Williams is my neighbor,” he wrote. “He is a great friend and officer!”
Medina is currently facing charges which include assaulting an officer.
(H/T: KSTU-TV)