Today, there seems to be an increase in the number of police chases. Sometimes, that consists of an officer driving a patrol car to try to catch someone in another vehicle. Other times, this involves a foot chase. Regardless, the goal is to stop the suspect of a crime as a way of keeping communities safe.
Incredible risks
Yes, car chases are risky. At least police can use their vehicles as a form of protection. But chasing a bad guy on foot creates an entirely different scenario. While running, officers have no idea if the suspect is armed with a weapon. In a situation like that, things can take a horrible turn within seconds.
Minding his business
After visiting a library in Columbus, Ohio with his granddaughter, one man who prefers to be called Bill stepped outside. He was simply watching the world go by while using his cane for support. When this grandpa woke up that morning, he had no idea that not only would he end up on the local news but also stations around the world.
A dangerous guy
That same morning, another man by the name of Shawn Briggs had no idea he would have the same experience. The difference…the grandpa was the good guy while Briggs was a criminal. We’re not sure what started the trouble but at some point, local police got into a foot chase with Briggs.
Armed with a weapon
Chasing Briggs was bad enough but the cops knew he was carrying a loaded 9mm pistol. Making the situation even direr…he had an extended clip. That meant Briggs could easily fire off 29 rounds.
Perfect timing
So, here you have this grandpa standing outside of the library while at the same time, police are chasing Briggs. And it just so happened the chase took them directly in front of the place this grandfather was standing. He could see them coming his way.
An unusual situation
When interviewed alongside the Police Chief, the anchor asked this grandfather what was going through his mind. He said all he knew was that police were chasing a guy who was heading right toward him. He added…at that moment, he knew he could either be a bystander or a participant.
Quick thinking
Thankfully, this grandpa decided he wanted to help. With only a few seconds, he took the opportunity to do something. As soon as Briggs was directly behind him, this grandpa stuck his leg out backward. As a result, the criminal came crashing to the ground.
The chase was over
That fast, the foot chase came to a halt. The Police Chief said had it not been for Bill’s quick action, one or more people could’ve easily been injured or worse. Thanks to this grandpa tripping the criminal, everyone got to go home safely.
The best part
For one thing, stories like this are rare. But when they do happen, usually the public only reads about them. But in this case, most of the action was caught on both the officer’s body camera and the library’s surveillance system. It’s beyond incredible.
It went viral
Once the story was uploaded to social media, it didn’t take any time for it to go viral. Since posting, the video has been seen more than 14 million times. It’s so good that a lot of people watch it multiple times.
You can see some of the chase, as well as the heroic act of this grandpa by clicking on the video below.
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Source: YouTube, Police Mag