By Police1 Staff
PROVO, Utah — Body cam footage captured a Good Samaritan taking down a man who attacked and attempted to disarm a Utah officer in a parking lot.
KSTU-TV reported that Provo police responded to a Sam’s Club parking lot for a welfare check on a man who was reportedly walking around and asking people for water. A Provo officer then encountered 34-year-old Emiliano Medina, who police said pointed at the LEO’s firearm before making a gun gesture with his hand and pointing it at his own head.
Police said Medina then reached for the officer’s gun, which led to a struggle between the two. During the struggle, Medina punched the officer in the head and managed to escape.
Bystanders who watched the incident unfold intervened as Medina fled. According to the probable cause statement, the officer said a man grabbed Medina “from behind in a bear hug and slammed him to the ground.”
The officer said he was then able to place Medina in handcuffs as he waited for responding officers to arrive.
Police said Medina was taken to a hospital because he exhibited signs of delirium. A blood test showed that Medina tested positive for methamphetamine.
Medina faces a number of charges, including a felony count of disarming a police officer and a misdemeanor count of assault on a peace officer in uniform.