TOURIST TACKLES SUSPECT
POLICE are praising a gutsy tourist who helped nab a man sprinting to escape – but warn the public to put their safety first.
An officer’s bodycam footage shows police arresting a man found with small bags of crystals in Surfers Paradise before he does the bolt. Police on motorbikes raced after him in a dramatic chase.
A tourist, casually smoking a cigarette, sprints after the man helping police to corner him.
“I’m so glad you helped,” an officer told him at the scene.
A GUTSY tourist has given grateful police a helping hand to catch an alleged criminal in a low-speed chase through central Surfers Paradise.
But a senior officer has warned other members of the public not to copy his actions.
The dramatic chase – which only ended after a member of the public intervened – was captured on body-worn camera by one of the officers involved.
The footage shows a police sergeant talking to a man in Surfers Paradise just before 9pm on Saturday and telling him he has been found with clipseal bags allegedly containing the drug ice.
The man is then seen running from police and the Sergeant jumps on his trail bike and speeds along the footpath after him, including going up a set of stairs.
The footage shows the 40year-old Labrador man running towards the entrance of an apartment block. That is when a member of the public steps up, cigarette casually in hand, and jumps in his path.
The man turns, and runs straight into the police officer, blocking the camera.
Body-worn camera footage from a second officer, who arrives at the scene late, shows the good Samaritan holding the man down while another police officer is also on the ground.
After the man is arrested, the police officer thanks the tourist, shaking his hand.
The good Samaritan, who was out of breath, told the officer: “I saw a runner and I thought I better join in.”
The officer again thanked the man.
“I’m so glad you helped me,” the office said.
“I really appreciate it, hey.” The man replied: “Any time”.
But Gold Coast Police Superintendent Craig Hanlon warned “any time” might not be the best idea.
“We appreciate the support that we get from members of the public and we thank the male person for his help this time,” he said.
“We just want to remind people that when they consider taking these courses of action they be mindful of their safety.”
Despite the concerns, Supt Hanlon said police will consider if the man should be formally recognised for his help.
Each month police will discuss officers and members of the public who have gone above and beyond to help.
It is then determined how they should be recognised.
The man who was arrested has now been charged with one count each of possessing a dangerous drug and obstructing police.
He will appear in Southport Magistrates Court today.