Bystander Angela Pierce Protects Police Officer from Suspect Attack

Angela Pierce was driving through Dayton, Ohio when she spotted police officer Jonathan Seiter in trouble -- and she risked her life to rush in and help him.

By Kathryn Hawkins. Posted on December 17 2010

Angela Pierce was driving through Dayton, Ohio when she spotted a police officer in trouble: He was being beaten badly by a man that he’d stopped for a routine traffic violation. The officer, Jonathan Seiter, wasn’t able to access his gun, and he was beginning to fear for his life—the suspect was out of control and trying to kill him.

Pierce was driving with her elderly aunt, and had no weapon. But she could tell that the officer needed help to get the suspect under control, so she stopped her car and jumped right into the scuffle.

“I didn’t even think about what (the suspect) could have had, I didn’t think about what he could have done to me,” Pierce told CNN. “I just went and tried to help.”

The fearless woman ran over to the fighting men, and attempted to subdue the attacker, swinging at him with her fists. Even though she had never met Officer Seiter before, she was eager to assist him: ““That could have been my father or grandfather,” she said.

With Pierce’s help, the officer was able to restrain his attacker. Once police backup arrived, he was placed in custody, and Pierce continued on to the party she and her aunt had been driving to.

Officer Seiter is safe, and though it’s not advisable for ordinary people to jump into the middle of a dangerous altercation between a police officer and a suspect, the Dayton Police Department is grateful for Pierce’s help.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m not endorsing that citizens participate in this manner,” said Sgt. Larry Tolpin. “But under this particular circumstance, it was very commendable of her.”
Check out the video of Pierce in action.

Filed under: Heroes,

Liked this? You'll love these, too:

5 More Life-Saving Animals: Filippo the Dolphin, Binti Jua the Gorilla, and More

A continuation of our story on 10 animals who've rescued their human friends. Read More
Janitor Rescues Failing Business, Now Is Co-Owner

Tony Lee, who worked as a janitor at car parts company Ring Masters in Massillon, Ohio, came up with a business plan to save the company, which is now profitable. Read More
A Fallen Soldier’s Last Gift: Bruce Hays and the Apache Project

After soldier Bruce Hays died in Afghanistan, his Wisconsin neighbors worked to restore an old truck that he'd promised to his wife Terry. Read More
5 Former Slaves Who Are Changing the World

Former slaves such as Somaly Mam, Simon Deng, and Iqbal Masih have stood up and fought for human rights. Read More
10 Animal Heroes from History: Cher Ami, 9/11 Nikie and More

A carrier pigeon, a Golden Retriever dog, a Shih Tzu, a cow and a goat are a few amazing animals who've saved the lives of humans. Read More