VIDEO: Man with Cane Trips Armed Suspect Running from Ohio Officers
Video: Man with Cane Trips Armed Suspect Running from Ohio Officers
"Bill was at a west Columbus library with his granddaughter. He was waiting outside to leave when he heard police sirens. He tells us he looked around and saw a man with his hand in his waistband running toward him.

A man with a cane tripped an armed fleeing suspect to help Columbus officers last month.
On April 3, Columbus, OH, police officers were pursuing two armed men on foot when they received some unexpected help from a civilian.
Video released last week shows the civilian who was only identified as Bill tripping one of the suspects.
"Bill was at a west Columbus library with his granddaughter. He was waiting outside to leave when he heard police sirens. He tells us he looked around and saw a man with his hand in his waistband running toward him.
"Bill assessed the situation as fast as he could, cane in hand. He heard officers yelling multiple times to drop the gun. Bill says with officers lagging a bit behind the suspect he did what he could to help them nab the armed man. Bill stuck out a back leg to trip the suspect who was running from police. That move likely saved the 18-year-old suspect's life. It also allowed police to catch up to him to make the arrest," the Columbus police report on Facebook.
Police says they recovered a 9mm pistol with an extended magazine containing 29 rounds. The suspect, who has a lengthy criminal record, went back to jail. No one was injured.
"Community involvement, be it by courage, bravery and/or fancy footwork, helped take a criminal off the streets of Columbus. Thank you Bill for sticking your leg out for us," the department wrote on Facebook.
More Patrol

Versaterm Launches Innovation Summit for Public Safety Drone Operations
The two-day DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm will bring together public safety and industry experts to define best practices for scaling drone operations.
Read More →
What Makes a Good LE Boot?
Learn what makes a boot good for police officers as POLICE visits with Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, who explains the features of boots and why each is needed in an LE boot.
Read More →
Folds of Honor Opens Scholarship Application for Children and Spouses of Fallen or Disabled Service Members and First Responders
The application period for the Folds of Honor scholarship program is now open through the end of March. Scholarships support students from early education through postsecondary studies, easing the financial burden for families who have given so much in service to others.
Read More →
Team Wendy Now on GovX: Faster Verification and Discount Access for Eligible Professionals
With GovX verification now integrated directly into the Team Wendy checkout experience, eligible customers can confirm their status in just a few clicks and have the discount applied automatically.
Read More →
5.11 Debuts 2026 Footwear & Apparel at SHOT Show
5.11 showcased new apparel and footwear products during SHOT Show 2026, including new color options for the A/T Boa Lite Mid Boot and the Founder’s Jacket.
Read More →
5.11 Debuts New Load-Bearing Gear at SHOT Show
5.11 launched a variety of new load-bearing gear, ranging from backpacks to chest packs, designed for training, travel, and everyday readiness, this week during SHOT Show 2026.
Read More →
Streamlight Launches the Rechargeable TLR-3X & Other Lights at SHOT Show
Streamlight launched the TLR-3X and TLR-3X USB, two new weapon lights, and an assortment of other new lights during SHOT Show 2026.
Read More →
EOTech & Fast Metal Introduce the EOTech Halen Ballistic Spectacle System
Built on the proven Halen platform, the new EOTech x Fast Metal Halen Ballistic Spectacle System is the only aluminum frame listed on the U.S. Army’s Authorized Protective Eyewear List.
Read More →
2 Florida Officers Shot After Shots-Fired Call
Two officers were shot in Gainesville, Florida, by a man who police say was leaving an area where he had killed a man inside a business. The suspect exited his vehicle in what the chief termed an “ambush-style” attack.
Read More →
Mistaken Identity: Ohio Police Department Harassed After ICE OIS
An Ohio police department has received harassing phone calls and social media messages because it has an officer with the same name as the ICE officer identified in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, officer-involved shooting.
Read More →