OfficerBlueSpringville, UT – A citizen with a concealed carry pistol was able to end the attack on Springville police officer on Friday.
The incident started just before 2 p.m. when an officer saw feet hanging out of a Tabitha’s Way donation bin along Main Street in Springville, according to KSTU.
The officer stopped and ordered the suspect, Paul Anderson, to get out of the bin. Anderson got out and put his hands in his pockets.
The officer repeatedly ordered Anderson to take his hands out of his pockets and he refused. Finally, Anderson did take his hands out of his pockets and he started punching the officer in the face.
Anderson continued to beat the officer until Derek Meyer saw what was happening.
Meyer pulled in behind the police car and had his concealed carry pistol ready. He drew the gun on the suspect and ordered him to stop attacking the officer.
When Anderson saw the gun, he ran away.
The officer was transported to the hospital for a fractured eye socket and facial lacerations.
A manhunt ensued and Anderson was captured about an hour and a half later, when officers found him hiding under a flatbed truck.
Springville PD Corporal Cory Waters told KSTU that Meyer’s actions likely saved a life.
“Had he not been in the right place at the right time, who knows what would have happened,” Corporal Waters said. “But he definitely stopped the attack from continuing and becoming much worse. He might have even saved either one of their lives. It could have gone really bad, even for the suspect.”
Meyer spoke to KSTU and said that he believes that anybody would have stopped to help if they had been in the same situation. Thankfully, Meyer had the means to end the attack.
“I carry a gun to protect me and those around me, but primarily I carry a gun to protect my family first and foremost,” Meyer told KSTU. “Outside of that, if I were to use my gun to protect anyone it would be law enforcement or military personnel.”