Policeman on holiday saves under-attack US officer

A British police sergeant on holiday in Tennessee has helped apprehend a man who was "fighting" a local officer and had managed to fire his service gun.

The suspect was "wrestling" Nashville officer Peter Kinsey at the roadside before Kent Police's Sgt Taylor Johanson intervened and "likely saved our officer's life", according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD).

The US force said the suspect had fired Kinsey's holstered gun, although nobody was hit, before the Brit intervened.

Johanson, of Ashford, said: "This was supposed to be a relaxing holiday away from my children but it started off quite the opposite."

The Kent officer, while still waiting for MNPD backup, managed to pull the suspect away from Kinsey.

The Nashville officer was able to deploy his Taser and subdue the man, then arrest him with assistance from Johanson, the US force said.

Johanson, who had just landed in Nashville, said: "I saw the officer was in trouble and my instinct just kicked in.

"I didn't stop to think of the consequences or hesitate, I just jumped out and used my skills to ensure the officer was safe and the suspect was apprehended."

The MNPD said Kinsey was attempting to stop the man walking down the ramp from Interstate 440 to West End Avenue in Nashville when the altercation, on 7 May, began.

Officers have since charged Joseph Rainey, 43, with aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and unlawfully being a pedestrian on the interstate system.

Nashville Police Chief John Drake said his department was "beyond grateful" to Johanson for stopping to assist.

"Sgt Johanson miraculously appeared when Officer Kinsey needed help," he said. "I believe he likely saved our officer's life."

Kent Police Chief Constable Tim Smith said: "As a police officer you are never truly off duty and his natural reaction to run toward danger and assist is incredible.

"His skills and intervention no doubt helped to save an officer's life and we are very proud of him."

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