Police officers put their lives on the line every day. Their job duties range from simple tasks such as writing a traffic ticket to hair-raising high-speed chases or tracking down criminals fleeing the scene.
No one day is ever the same. But one thing holds true – it’s a dangerous job…
King County Sheriff’s Deputy Elliott was done with her shift for the night and driving home when she spied people flagging her down at the scene of a car wreck. Even though she was off-duty, she pulled over in her marked patrol car to see how she could help.
It was 1 a.m. and she was weary, but an officer’s job is never truly done for the day. The incident had unfolded in Auburn, sparked by an intoxicated male who had just caused a multiple vehicle collision.
She assessed the situation and radioed for help.
While checking on everyone’s condition, Deputy Elliott was told that the man believed to be the suspect who caused the wreck was trying to flee the scene of the crime.
Deputy Elliott snapped into action and chased him down. He fought her off and continued to stumble away from her.
“Deputy Elliott called out to the male to stop, but he kept trying to stumble away from her. Deputy Elliott had to jog up to the male and was able to grab on to him to advise him he was not free to leave and was being detained.”
However, the man spun around and assumed a fighting stance with his arms up in the air, ready to take a swing at her!
“A struggle began and at one point Deputy Elliott was able to get the suspect onto the ground and call for help on her radio.”
Suddenly, the suspect wrapped his arms around Deputy Elliott’s neck, put her in a headlock and began squeezing the life out of her. She struggled to get out of the hold and thankfully did not lose consciousness.
While fighting to free herself so she could breathe, Deputy Elliott faintly heard voices shouting. She could make out the sounds coming from a group of teens and young men as they rushed up to the scene.
“Get off of her!”
Five teens and young men jumped on top of the suspect and began yanking at the man to pull him off of the deputy. She managed to free herself, then they pinned him down on the ground so Deputy Elliott could handcuff him.
Miraculously, Deputy Elliott only suffered minor scrapes and bruises from the altercation. But the young men? They were impacted for a lifetime.
The police department and community members have since hailed the teens as good Samaritans. They even were honored for their courage and heroism with the Community Heroism Award award presented by King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht.
“We can’t thank these fine young men enough. They are true heroes.”
It’s the highest honor a civilian can receive from the sheriff. The crew of five heroes consisted of 16-year-old Darrell Swilley, 17-year-old Isaiha Sansaver, 18-year-old Tyran Powell, 18-year-old Kai Tavares and 19-year-old Dominic Sansaver.
Thank goodness they were in the area and willing to jump in and rescue the officer.
The sheriff’s office said this is only the second time the sheriff has awarded the Medal of Heroism. It truly was well deserved!
“On her behalf, I have to thank you. She believes, and I believe had you not been there for her on this day, she might not be alive. Moms and Dads, you should be proud of these kids!”
The suspect was arrested on charges of felony assault of an officer and driving under the influence. He also had several other warrants out for his arrest, including for DUI, driving with a suspended license and failure to have an ignition interlock.
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