bgwalker/iStock(ROSEVILLE, Calif.) — A security guard was fired last week for helping apprehend a man who allegedly punched a police officer in the face.
The security guard tackled a suspect who allegedly struck a Placer County Sheriff’s officer at a Best Buy in Roseville, California, and fled into the parking lot.
Best Buy said the employee’s actions violated company policy, which forbids workers from intervening with illegal events outside the store.
“Our policy is clear, employees are not to chase potential criminals outside of the store, the company told ABC affiliate KXTV in a statement. “Chasing an individual in the parking lot creates a safety risk that isn’t worth taking, regardless of how noble an employee’s intention is.”
Best Buy did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request for comment.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Department said officers made contact with 35-year-old Timothy Trujillo, a suspect who was on the run, after receiving a tip that he might be nearby.
“Trujillo struck one of the detectives and fled in an attempt to escape. After a short foot pursuit they were able to get Trujillo under control and handcuffed,” the Placer County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement last week. “Trujillo and his car were searched and detectives found methamphetamine, stolen property and burglary tools.”
Trujillo was arrested on the scene and faces charges for “assaulting and resisting a peace officer, possession of burglary tools, possession of methamphetamine, and burglary,” according to the statement. “After further investigation, detectives connected Trujillo to burglaries in Placer County, in addition to his Nevada burglaries. He was booked at the South Placer Jail, where he remains in custody without bail.”
Trujillo was wanted on a felony warrant by Nevada State officials and the Placer County Sheriff’s Department after detectives were informed he might be evading law enforcement in the Roseville area, according to KXTV. It’s unclear whether Trujillo has legal counsel at this time.
Placer County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Andrew Scott thanked the Best Buy employee for his help with the arrest in an interview on Saturday.
“Obviously, we are very grateful he intervened,” Scott told ABC KXTV. “Luckily, no one was hurt. That’s our first and most pressing concern in something like this, but because he intervened we were able to catch this man and take him off the streets.”
Scott said he was grateful for the employee’s assistance, but that his office prefers citizens not get involved in law enforcement matters.
“We don’t want to see someone get hurt,” Scott said. “And our deputies are trained to deal with situations like this.”
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