PHOENIX — A QuikTrip clerk and security guard are being hailed heroes after jumping into action to stop a man who attacked a Phoenix Police Officer.
“They saved our officer’s life that evening and their commitment to stopping this guy can’t be overstated," Phoenix Police Lt. James Hester said.
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Jameel Kelewood, the security guard, told 12News he called the police on a group of people who were trespassing in the parking lot early Sunday morning. He said most of the group left before police arrived, but one person went inside the store.
Newly obtained body camera video shows the officer trying to guide the man identified as 33-year-old John Liddell, Jr. out of the store on Bell Road near 19th Avenue.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Guardia de seguridad de Quik Trip fue reconocido por sus acciones heroicas al detener a hombre que apuñaló a un oficial de policía de Phoenix
Police said Liddell, Jr. pulled out a knife and stabbed the officer in the neck.
From a different angle, surveillance video shows Kelewood tackling the suspect to the ground.
“Took him down, body slammed him. Tried to hold him down but he had some really good strength to be honest. So, I had a good time wrestling with him," Kelewood said.
Kelewood told 12News he worked to keep the suspect detained until more police officers arrived.
“It seemed like a long time. It really did seem like a long time," Kelewood said.
It's a moment Kelewood said he's been replaying in his head.
“I’m actually amazed that I didn’t get stabbed myself seeing how the six-inch blade penetrated the officer’s neck," Kelewood said.
The security guard said he'd like to become a police officer himself with goals of keeping his community safe.
“That day was a little different than a usual day," Kelewood said. "It was fun. I’m not going to lie. It was fun. I kind of do thrive on adrenaline.”
The officer attacked in this incident is still in the hospital. Police tell us he is healing well, but still has a long recovery ahead.
Liddell, Jr. was booked into jail and is facing a number of felony charges.
QuikTrip representative Aisha Jefferson issued the following statement about the incident:
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Phoenix Police Officer who was stabbed by a suspect he was escorting from our store at 17th Ave and Bell Road. I can’t overstate our appreciation for him and the entire Phoenix Police Department. We wish him a full and speedy recovery. I also want to applaud the decisive and selfless actions of security guard Jameel Kelewood and QT Night Assistant Luis Dimayuga Ozuna. Their commitment to stopping and restraining the suspect most certainly saved the life of the injured officer after he was attacked. The level of violence our employees and law enforcement officers are subjected to on a daily basis is unacceptable and must be addressed. We are working closely with Phoenix Police and the Maricopa County Prosecutor’s office to ensure the suspect, John Liddell Jr., is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Our top priority remains the safety of our employees and customers, and we will continue to take the necessary and appropriate measures to ensure their safety and the safety of the communities we serve.”
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