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Grandpa trips suspect during police chase
That’s one way to end a foot chase.
Cedric Jackson
09.17.20

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.

YouTube Screenshot/ABC13 Houston
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/ABC13 Houston

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.

YouTube Screenshot/Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/Inside Edition

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.

YouTube Screenshot/Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/Inside Edition

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.

Unsplash/Thomas Def
Source:
Unsplash/Thomas Def

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.

YouTube Screenshot/Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/Inside Edition

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.

YouTube Screenshot/Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/Inside Edition

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.

YouTube Screenshot/Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/Inside Edition

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.

YouTube Screenshot/Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/Inside Edition

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.

YouTube Screenshot/Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/Inside Edition

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.

YouTube Screenshot/Inside Edition
Source:
YouTube Screenshot/Inside Edition

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

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