By Suzie Ziegler
HOUSTON — When Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo delivered the news of Sgt. Harold Preston’s death Tuesday, he also told the story of how a surviving officer – Courtney Waller – was helped by a stranger’s kindness.
According to KHOU, Acevedo said a man had been filming officers with his phone when shots were fired.
“When the shooting rang out, he didn’t just continue to film,” Acevedo told KHOU. “He helped Officer Waller.”
Acevedo said the man helped Waller – who was shot in the arm – apply a tourniquet. The witness then escorted Waller out of harm’s way to the front of the apartment complex. As the pair were walking, Waller told the man that he had dropped his service weapon back at the scene.
The man went back to retrieve the gun.
Acevedo said the good Samaritan wrapped the gun in a towel and calmly walked back to not alarm officers.
“He had the presence of mind to realize we just had two officers shot; I’m African-American. I’m sitting here with all these tattoos, no shirt,” Acevedo said. “I don’t want officers to see me coming up with a gun.”
Acevedo didn’t name the good Samaritan at the press conference, but said it would be made public later, according to KHOU.
Waller was recovering Wednesday after undergoing surgery, reported KPRC.
https://twitter.com/houstonpolice/status/1318645809236291588
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