For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1900019 |
| Date Issued: | Mar 01, 2019 - 2:40pm |
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Sheriff Balaam thanks Good Samaritan who assisted deputy in potentially life-threatening situation |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
Quick action by a Good Samaritan may have saved at least one life overnight according to Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam. The Samaritan observed a Sheriff's Office deputy engaged in a fierce struggle with a suspect just off Geiger Grade and promptly called 911 for assistance.
The incident began at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2019. The deputy observed suspicious activity involving a male subject shoveling dirt into the back of a pickup parked in a dark area off Geiger Grade Road near Equestrian Road.
The deputy made contact and saw that the subject had several knives on his person. The deputy received permission to take possession of the knives and conduct a pat search. During the search the deputy located what appeared to be illegal narcotics in a baggie.
At this time the occupant became uncooperative, broke free and fled. A short foot pursuit ended in a struggle during which the deputy was unable to free his hands to call for assistance.
"That's when our Good Samaritan came to the rescue," Sheriff Balaam said. "She observed the violent nature of the struggle and immediately called 911 so that dispatch could advise other responding deputies about the urgent nature of the situation."
Once additional deputies arrived on scene they were able to take the suspect into custody.
"By recognizing the urgent need for assistance and promptly taking action, I believe this citizen prevented this altercation from escalating into a potentially life-threatening situation," Sheriff Balaam said. "On behalf of all the men and women at the Washoe Sheriff's Office, I sincerely thank her for having our back - she is definitely a hero in our book!"
The deputy was taken to a local hospital, treated for minor injuries, and released.
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Jacob Slyter, was also treated at a local hospital before being booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility on multiple charges, including Battery on Protected Person, Resisting a Public Officer, and Possession.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.