A San Angelo Police Patrol Officer that was injured during a foot chase Sunday afternoon is praising the civilians who rushed to his aid.
Officers were dispatched to the area of Sherwood Way and Southwest around 12:45 yesterday for several reports of a man pointing a firearm at passing vehicles.
An Officer located the suspect near Tinsel Town and attempted to make contact; however, the man fled through the parking lot and a nearby field.
Several nearby civilians who observed the chase responded to aid the officer, who subsequently sustained several cracked ribs and a bruised lung while apprehending the suspect. The Officer credits the Good Samaritans for handcuffing the suspect while he was momentarily incapacitated.
The suspect, identified as Gilbert Lee Barrientos, 29, was arrested for Evading Arrest Detention with Previous Convictions and transported to the Tom Green County Jail. Police located and seized a BB-/Pellet gun nearby.
The 36-year-old 9-year veteran Officer was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment and later released. The Officer would like to personally thank each of the civilians for their assistance and noted we [SAPD] are extremely blessed to serve in a community that supports law enforcement.
###