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Aberdeen police want to thank man who they say helped save officer's life

The Aberdeen Police Department wants to find a man involved in a violent scuffle, but not for a reason you may think.

A stranger helped save an officer’s life during an arrest, investigators said. The department wants to thank the man for putting his own life in danger.

The officer tried to arrest a juvenile suspect on an outstanding warrant in the 2500 block of Simpson Avenue on Wednesday afternoon.

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When the officer tried to arrest the minor, he said “no” and tried to step away. According to investigators, the officer grabbed the suspect by the arm and the two hit the ground. While the officer was on top of the suspect, the officer saw him take a knife out of his pocket but was unable to wrestle it away, police said.

Cell phone video from a witness shows the violent encounter unfold for roughly three minutes.
Police don't know what would have happened if a good Samaritan didn't run over to help.
Investigators said he successfully knocked the knife out of the suspect's hand, without any concern for himself.

The suspect continued to fight the officer and began grabbing items off the officer’s utility belt. With the citizen’s help, the officer was able to regain control and handcuff the suspect.

The good Samaritan told the officer his name and went to catch the bus. However, the officer couldn’t remember the name. The Aberdeen Police Department wants to thank the citizen for helping the officer in the dangerous situation.

Police did not say what the warrant was for but did arrest the minor, who will be facing an additional charge for assault on a police officer.

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