The following letter was written by Art Michel, Brentwood resident and retired Oakland Police Sergeant, who observed and photographed a California Highway Patrol Officer putting his live in danger to ensure the safety of residents in Antioch.
Open Letter to CHP
I wanted to bring to your attention an incident which I observed yesterday at about 1100 hrs. I was east on highway 4 in Antioch when I observed several CHP officers pursuing a red vehicle.
The vehicle exited the freeway and the car collided with a wall. I am a retired Oakland Police Sergeant and I immediately realized how dangerous the situation was as I heard shots being fired and I could see people literally running for their lives.
I positioned myself across the street from the gas station where the suspect attempted to car jack other patrons.
I then observed a CHP motor officer standing behind cover with his weapon drawn. I also observed two women in the station and you could see the fear in their faces. Your officer said something to them and literally took one of the women’s hand and pulled them away from the immediate danger. At one point, one the women actually used the officer as a shield by holding on to him around his legs.
I took some photos of the incident and as you can see, your officer was truly a hero. He put his safety aside to make sure the two women were out of danger. As if this wasn’t enough, he went back and assisted two more persons and their dog out of harm’s way.
In a day when cops can’t catch a break, I thought it would be important to show the world that there and men and women in your agency and all of the other agencies that were working together, that truly care and literally stand in front of danger to protect innocent lives. All of the officers should be commended for their unbelievable bravery and care for people they didn’t even know. Even the man that started all of this was treated respectfully.
I believe that the motor officer acted in a manner that certainly is above and beyond what was asked of him. He should receive a citation for his bravery. Watching all of this made me proud to say I was once a police officer.
Sincerely,
Arturo C. Michel
Note – CHP has received the letter and has responded.
A full recap provided by the Antioch Police Department can be found by clicking here.
4 comments
I agree! I know that I count on the police to protect me, and I respect the very difficult job they do. It is one that I could never do myself! I live down the street from this station and I was very happy to hear that the entire situation was resolved peacefully and no one was injured! I am very grateful for all of the law enforcement officers, firemen, and even medical personnel that put their lives at risk to help others without expecting anything in return. Your hard work is appreciated!!
Good job to all the men and women who protect and keep the public out of harms way. You all deserve recognition for your professionalism and bravery.
Absolutely 100% agree!! Thank you to all officers involved for the successful resolution of this incident. And especially thank you to the brave CHP motor officer. The care & compassion you showed to your fellow man, in the face of imminent danger, is seriously lacking in todays world. All people should strive to be like you. The world would be a much better place. God bless.
I worked with chp officers on a regular basis in the high desert of Southern California every officer from this fine department was above reproach, I am proud of the years I worked as a deputy sheriff. This is so awsom to see, hear, about another officer with the chp doing it above and beyond koo dos to this chp officer and no doubt put his life in jeprody concealing the citizens. Chp needs to let this officer know that what he did brought law enforcement across this great nation another notch up….prayers for all of you in uniform and for what you do day in day out,,,retired deputy sheriff/retired chief of police
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