This was a tip from an NYPD Academy instructor a long time ago. When someone comes up and says, “Officer! Come quick!” and runs away, follow but be cautious. This lesson came in handy during the Brooklyn riots in 1969. Working with two academy cadets the riots had calmed down and it was about 3AM. A young kid came running up and shouted, “Quick I need help!” and ran off. The two recruits sprinted after him, and I shouted, “Slow down!”
We rushed, but did not run. When we turned the corner there were about 30 rioters, smashing windows and looting stores. We stood our ground, and let them know we were there. I called a 10-13 (Assist Patrolman) and we waited for help. If we had run:
1. We would have been out of breath and not ready for a physical confrontation, running into the middle of a possible attack, and
2. I would not have had time to calm down the two recruits and instructed them to follow my lead and not take action without my OK.
It was a long time ago, but I think it is advice that will work today.