Police officers have a hard job – especially these days.
Recently, Las Vegas police were called to a gun range near the strip. The caller said a man was inside the gun range acting strange.
They said the man had touched property that did not belong to him, so the gun range asked him to leave.
Because the man was acting suspicious, three citizens followed him outside.
When officers arrived, they told the man to step in front of their patrol vehicle, but the man refused to comply.
Then, without warning, he pulled out a screwdriver and violently attacked one of the police officers.
The other police officer and the three citizens from the gun range shot the suspect who died at the scene.
The injured officer was stabbed in the head. She was rushed to a nearby hospital and treated for her injuries.
Police didn’t say how many times the suspect was shot or if he was killed by the citizens or police.
But, during a press conference police thanked the citizens who stepped up to save the officer.
Captain Jamie Prosser said…
“I would just like to take a moment to remind everyone of the dangers of this job of being a police officer. And we would also like to thank good citizens that step up and help us in our time of need.”
The brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day sometimes need help.
Yet, when do you help and what do you do?
Here are a few things to remember if you ever think a police officer is in immediate need of help.
Keep your gun concealed:
When you approach an officer that you believe needs help, never have your gun out.
If an officer is struggling with a criminal, you don’t want to be mistaken for another threat.
If a cop sees you running towards him with a gun in your hand, he will likely assume you are a friend of the criminal.
And the cop has already called for help on the radio, so if responding officers see you with a gun it will go badly.
Best to keep your gun in your holster until you need to use it.
Communicate with the officer:
As you approach the officer identify yourself and ask if the officer needs help.
Police get in a lot of wrestling matches as many criminals fight to get away.
The problem is you don’t know if the cop is struggling with someone who stole a pack of gum or a serial killer.
The best course of action is to identify yourself as a Good Samaritan who wants to help, and ask the officer if you can help.
If the officer is unable to communicate with you then you will need to make a judgment call.
Most likely, the officer will say something such as “Yes! Grab his arm,” or something along those lines.
Self-defense laws apply whether you are protecting a loved one or a police officer from a threat.
If you use your gun, holster it when safe to do so:
If you help a cop in a life-threatening situation you need to make sure you aren’t mistaken for the bad guy once the melee is over.
Standing over a cop with a gun in your hand is a good way to get yourself shot.
Remember that more police officers are on the way.
If you have time, call 911 and give them your description and tell them what occurred.
When the cops arrive, they will probably order you to the ground, put you in handcuffs, and take your weapon.
Be prepared for that. Comply with their orders and don’t argue.
Law enforcement officers have a dangerous job.
When they need help, most cops are grateful when law-abiding citizens step in.
But, make sure you take these precautions if you decide to help out.
