Good Samaritan, Former Gang Member Moved Wounded Houston Officer Out of Kill Zone
“But when the shooting rang out, he didn’t just continue to film, like so many people are doing in this upside-down world. This young African-American male, who told me he was a gang member, that his life was way out there, but he’s found God and has turned his life around. He went and helped Officer Waller,” Chief Art Acevedo said.
As Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo was giving news of Sgt. Harold Preston's death during a press conference Tuesday, he also told the story of a witness who risked his own life twice to make sure another officer -- Officer Courtney Waller -- was moved out of harm’s way.
Acevedo didn’t give that man's name at the news conference, KHOU reports.
According to Acevedo, the man – who he described as African-American, shirtless and covered in tattoos – was at the front of the complex washing his car. Acevedo said the man noticed the police activity and began recording on his phone.
“But when the shooting rang out, he didn’t just continue to film, like so many people are doing in this upside-down world. This young African-American male, who told me he was a gang member, that his life was way out there, but he’s found God and has turned his life around. He went and helped Officer Waller.”
Acevedo said the man helped Officer Waller -- who had been shot in the arm -- put his tourniquet on. He then helped the wounded officer to safety.
More Patrol

Team Wendy Introduces the EXFIL Endurance Ballistic Helmet, Engineered to Reduce the Burden of Extended Wear
Team Wendy has launched its EXFIL Endurance, a new lightweight ballistic helmet engineered to deliver protection, comfort, and fit during demanding, extended operations.
Read More →
The First Responders Children’s Foundation National First Responders Day Roll Call of Heroes Ceremony Returns to Times Square, NYC
First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF), in collaboration with T-Mobile, will host the Roll Call of Heroes ceremony in Times Square to commemorate National First Responders Day on Wednesday, Oct. 28. During the event, FRCF will present 18 Hero Awards.
Read More →
Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products for Law Enforcement Professionals at IACP 2026
Streamlight will showcase its newest lights for law enforcement at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference & Expo. Featured lights will include the TLR-3 X, the PolyTac 1X, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight Portable Scene Light III Wins 2026 OH&S New Product of the Year Award
Streamlight’s Portable Scene Light III has won the 2026 Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) New Product of the Year Award in the Lighting category.
Read More →
Adept Armor Introduces Two New Rifle Plates
Adept Armor has launched two new Level IV ballistic plates, the Emperor and the Archon Mark 2, which brings Adept Armor’s new Quatroid ceramic to the high-threat, performance-value center of the range at 5.2 pounds.
Read More →
POLICE Product Test: Benchmade Bailout
The Benchmade Bailout is a slim, lightweight carry knife with a deep-ride pocket clip and comes in a variety of blade steels and scales. Here is a detailed review of the Taiga Green Bailout, released earlier this year.
Read More →
NLEOMF Announces July 2026 Officer of the Month
NLEOMF honored a Michigan deputy sheriff as the July 2026 Officer of the Month for rescuing a trapped driver from a burning vehicle following a Fourth of July crash.
Read More →
Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026
Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
Read More →
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.
Read More →
5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343
5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Read More →