Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Samantha Hayes reportingThey are saving lives, arresting criminals, and helping return stolen property. Yes we're talking about Salt Lake's finest; but not just the men and women in blue.
Regular folks have taken action lately.
When police call for backup- they expect another officer to show up. But the first people on the scene to help lately have been regular folks just like you and me.
On any given day it happens: Fires will start, thieves will steal, and the bad guys will try to get away.
Robyn Snyder, Salt Lake City Police Dept.: "Sometimes a good witness is the best thing we can ask for."
And three different times, police did not even have to ask.
Kevin Winston, Citizen who helped: "The police officer had the guy down on the ground, and (the suspect) had his hand on the officer's gun, and hollered 'I got your gun.'"
Kevin Winston was just out for a cup of coffee when he saw a police officer trying to arrest this man- who assaulted a worker inside a business to get money.
The suspect was getting the upper hand when Winston jumped in.
Kevin Winston, Citizen who helped: "I grabbed the guy's hands and spread them out, so that the officer could get better control of him. And it happened just that quick."
It was quick thinking on the part of a college student that saved the lives of people sleeping in this apartment building when a fire started.
She was up late studying.
Jessica Vautrain, Saved neighbors: I opened my door and the hallway was filled with smoke so I ran around banging on all the doors telling everyone to get out that there was a fire."
In the third case, a witness spotted three people swiping tires. It was a sight hard to miss, considering the suspects could not even close the trunk of their car.
Andrew Jones: "It's just something I try to do...help out as much as I can.
He chased the thieves down until police arrived.
Robyn Snyder, Salt Lake City Police Dept.: "I've had a citizen step in and help me once too. And that was a positive outcome."
Police warn to be careful before you jump in to help. The best thing you can do it be observant, officers say, write down descriptions of vehicles, suspects, and call 9-1-1.
