By FireRescue1 Staff
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — An off-duty firefighter who happened to be passing by while an officer was struggling with a suspected shooter helped diffuse the situation and take the suspect into custody.
Sacramento Bee reported that the suspect was about to be taken to the hospital to be mentally evaluated when he broke free from the police officer, according to Sacramento Police Department Sgt. Vance Chandler.
The officer began struggling with the suspect, who grabbed hold of the officer’s gun and fired, causing a nearby school to be placed on lockdown.
The firefighter witnessed the incident and helped subdue the suspect, who was then taken into custody.
“We’re very fortunate that the passerby came and helped out the officer. We are very fortunate that the officer suffered only minor injuries,” Sgt. Chandler said.
The incident is currently under investigation.