Columbus police are crediting a resident with tackling and holding onto a fleeing suspect until police could get him handcuffed.

The incident happened around 4:30 p.m. yesterday when Officer Travis Harbaugh saw 37-year-old Derek B Woodson near 25th Street and U.S. 31. Harbaugh knew Woodson was wanted on a warrant but when the police officer got out of his cruiser, Woodson allegedly took off running. Harbaugh shouted for Woodson to stop, which alerted a bystander who grabbed onto Woodson, took him to the ground and held on until police could arrest the man.

Harris said the police department was thankful for the help and said the citizen’s quick actions and willingness to assist made a difference. Harris also said that the department doesn’t advocate residents putting themselves in harm’s way.

Woodson was arrested on the original Bartholomew County warrant, as well as new preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and
possession of drug paraphernalia