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Libraries are generally a quiet place to study or read, not the scene of a police chase.
On April 3, a man, who police have simply identified as "Bill," was waiting outside a library in west Columbus, Ohio with his granddaughter preparing to leave when he was alerted to the sounds of police sirens.
Just outside the library, there was an 18-year-old suspect evading several cars full of his blue uniformed pursuers.
Bill noticed that the man was holding something in his waistband and could hear officers screaming “drop the gun,” but that didn’t stop him from joining the thrilling chase.
"I saw who you guys were chasing and I could see that he was holding something in his waistband while he was running from you guys - but he had a pretty good lead on your closest officer," said Bill to the officers.
"He was coming my way, so I got in his way to slow him down so you guys could get him."
Bill stepped towards the street and gauged the direction of the incoming suspect then, in typical vigilante fashion, extended his leg outwards to trip the suspect.
The man’s Glock 9mm pistol containing 29 rounds flew from his hands and into the dirt. The officers were able to arrest him on the turf outside the library.
Columbus officers noted in a social media post that Bill may have saved the man’s life.
FANCY FOOTWORK BY GOOD SAMARITAN LEADS TO ARREST OF ARMED SUSPECT: April 3, 2018 (1 month ago today) the bravery, courage & amazing footwork by "Bill" likely saved the suspect's life. The Columbus Division of Police thanks you! #TogetherIsBetter Video: https://t.co/UbphLxftEw pic.twitter.com/97ptprjZzE
— Columbus Ohio Police (@ColumbusPolice) May 3, 2018
An officer’s body cam caught the chase in thrilling and intense detail in a video released by the Columbus Police Department. After apprehending the criminal, officers can be heard saying, "You're lucky you f***ing dropped that gun, man. Boy, you almost got shot."
Commander Scott Hyland personally thanked “Bill” calling him an “outstanding community member” for his valiant efforts.
“Bill” and Commander Scott Hyland-Zone 3 were asked this afternoon to be on @InsideEdition tonight.
— Columbus Ohio Police (@ColumbusPolice) May 4, 2018
Their interview with @Jimmoret about the trip that likely saved shots from being fired by the suspect & police is on @nbc4i at 7:30pm. #TogetherIsBetter pic.twitter.com/OOexNwRjQH
No one was injured in the incident.
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