VIDEO: Witness Came to Aid of Injured Kentucky Officer After Shooting
Newly released body camera video shows a Northern Kentucky officer-involved shooting that left one dead last December. It also shows that a man saw the exchange and jumped into action to help the officer after the shooting, reports WXIX.
James Megerle was honored by the Ludlow (KY) Police Department after he used his belt as a tourniquet on the arm of Ludlow Police Officer Sam Hodge and kicked the gun away from the suspect, Charles Reynolds.
Kentucky State Police Sgt. Danny Caudill reported that Officer Hodge, a 20-year veteran, pulled over Reynolds' maroon, 1994 GMC van, in a parking lot.
The video shows Reynolds getting out of his vehicle and not complying with Hodge's requests. After Hodge warns Reynolds to stop putting his hand near his waist, Hodge is shot and falls backwards.
This is when Megerle steps in to offer aid to the officer, and stays with him even after other officers arrive.
Officer Hodge was struck in the shoulder and Reynolds was hit in the chest after the two exchanged gunfire, according to Sgt. Scott Lengle.
Both were taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Reynolds was later pronounced dead.
Hodge was released several days after.
Kenton County Prosecutor Rob Sanders cleared Hodge of any charges or wrongdoing the shooting on March 1.
