Two civilians in Virginia are receiving praise and thanks from the Virginia State Police Department for coming to the aid of a trooper who came under attack during a recent traffic stop.

The agency said on its Facebook page, "We are greatly appreciative of the valiant actions put forth by the two men who came to the aid of Trooper Deus. There is no telling how this situation may have ended had these men not arrived when they did and had the suspect taken possession of the trooper's firearm."

The driver of the suspect vehicle—identified by police as 23-year-old Jessy Jimenez Remigios—reportedly attacked the trooper and attempted to take position of his sidearm. Two passing motorists saw the struggle stopped their vehicles, and pulled the suspect off the trooper, police say.

The responding citizens held the suspect at bay until Henrico County Police arrived on scene to effect the arrest.

Trooper Deus was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of the non-life-threatening injuries and has been released.

Remigios now faces charges of assault on a law enforcement officer, attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer, obstruction of justice, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, damage to property, and speeding.