‘Mystery trucker’ tackles man running from Florida deputies. ‘Skills of a linebacker’
A “mystery trucker” captured a wanted man in dramatic style when he tackled the fleeing suspect and pinned him to the ground in a Florida parking lot, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
It happened just before 10 p.m. Sunday, June 11, in Martin County, and investigators say the suspect was armed when he began running from deputies. The weapon was ditched somewhere along the way, officials say.
“Truckers are used to taking part in long convoys, but this convoy looked a little different,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post.
“As he stood next to his semi, the Good Samaritan truck driver watched a line of MCSO deputies running after a fleeing man. It felt right to help. So the mystery trucker, with skills of a linebacker ... stepped in and created the wall that people joke about hitting when they have a bad headache.”
Surveillance video shows the trucker saw the 19-year-old man about to run past him, so he stepped in his path. The trucker then grabbed the suspect with both arms and threw him to the ground.
A good Samaritan waited at the ready just feet away, in case the suspect managed to break free, the video shows.
“The (trucker) was just taking a break when the cavalry came though. It was a ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ moment, but backwards,” the sheriff’s office said.
The suspect, who is from Port St. Lucie, was not hurt, “but his pride was a little injured,” officials said.
“He was charged with possession of a weapon with an altered serial number, resisting arrest, and tampering with evidence,” the sheriff’s office said. “We thank the driver for stepping in, although we don’t recommend engaging with fleeing suspects, just for your safety.”
The Facebook post has gotten hundreds of reactions and comments, with many lauding truck drivers for their willingness to help others.
“Truckers are old school, the cowboys of the highways who love their country and freedom. Everyday heroes who are rarely recognized,” Coni Davids wrote on the sheriff’s office Facebook page.
“Perfect wrap up and take down,” Kristi Rhoden posted.
This story was originally published June 16, 2023 at 7:44 AM with the headline "‘Mystery trucker’ tackles man running from Florida deputies. ‘Skills of a linebacker’."