Our Samaritan, who prefers to remain anonymous, witnessed the suspect hitting the business owner multiple times in the face. He immediately came to the owner's assistance and tackled the suspect to the ground and held him there until officers arrived.
Responding Officer Hansen was so impressed by the civilian's actions; he recommended the civilian for a Chief's Commendation and Challenge Coin. We couldn't agree more.
"This community hero took the rare action of inserting himself into a situation with inherent danger and risk to his safety to help someone in need," said Chief Mills Thank you for your quick actions.
The suspect Jose Mendoza is a violent parolee who also left his 5-year-old child in an idling car outside the shop when he went back inside to assault the owner. Officers arrested Mr. Mendoza for assault with a deadly weapon, child endangerment, and damaging a communication device with intent to prevent help.
