An Oquawka, Ill., man was recognized by law enforcement Thursday, March 31 for coming to the aid of a Gulfport, Ill., police officer who was being assaulted earlier in the week.
In honor of his aid, Christopher Sipes received a certificate of appreciation from the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a press release issued by the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred Monday, March 28. Sipes was driving home from Burlington with his wife near Carmen Road when they noticed the Gulfport police officer attempting to arrest a man.
The man, 29-year-old Djwyn Kalihah Presbery of Philadelphia, Pa., allegedly resisted the officer and punched him in the face, causing the officer to slip and fall into the lane of traffic. Presbery then attempted to punch the officer several times.
Sipes slammed on his brakes to avoid hitting the officer and then got out of his vehicle. Sipes was able to help subdue Presbery by bearhugging him and throwing him to the ground, and the officer and Sipes were then able to handcuff him.
Presbery was arrested for aggravated battery to a peace officer, resisting a peace officer, possession of cannabis, possession of a controlled substance, obstructing identification, and driving while his license is suspended.