By Police1 Staff
WESLACO, Texas – Cellphone video captured a man coming to the aid of a cop who was struggling with a suspect.
According to CBS 4, Joey Marines was headed to a family outing with his girlfriend Monday when he spotted an officer in a violent confrontation with a suspect.
After determining the officer needed help, Marines approached the scene, but held off until the LEO summoned him for help.
“I didn’t want the cop to think I’m trying to help the other guy, while I’m on his side. I want the cop to not get hurt either. Or the both sides, I don’t want the guy to get hurt either,” Marines told CBS 4.
A spokesman with the Welasco Police Deparment said Marines’ actions were the correct approach, according to the report.
“When a citizen approaches the situation they need to be very cautious of it. You don’t know whether the subject’s armed, you don’t know whether he already has hold of a weapon,” Officer Eric Hernandez said. “So when you approach a situation like that what we recommend is try to get the officer’s attention and ask ‘officer, do you need my assistance?’ That way the officer knows that you’re there to help him, not assist the other individual.”