Citizens credited with aiding security officer who was stabbed www.privateofficer.com
Byron Lynn Clements, 48, of Gretna, is charged with malicious wounding that left a victim with serious injuries, according to an arrest warrant.
One of two people who came to the security guard’s aid during the attack said he relied on “sheer adrenalin.”
“I have a fused back (and other problems); I’m still hurting all over,” David Hyde, a retired Goodyear worker, said. Hyde was at the office for an appointment when the incident happened.
An arraignment for Clements has not yet been set, according to Lt. Suzanne Holland, the lead investigator on the case, because, “We are still doing interviews and tying up loose ends.”
Court papers state the security guard was stabbed four times — in his left abdomen, left side of his head, left side of his neck and his right hand.
Representatives of the injured security guard’s employer — the Federal Protective Services arm of Homeland Security — were at the scene Thursday, but the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office remains in charge of the case, according to Holland.
“He (Clements) has been charged under state code,” Holland said. “We’re working it like it’s ours until they (a federal agency) tell us otherwise.”
Hyde, who lives in Danville, said he jumped in to help the injured security guard. Hyde said he noticed a man at one of the windows, and saw the security guard approach him and say, “Follow me, I want to show you something.”
Hyde said the man, now identified as Clements, responded, “You gonna show me something?” and began attacking the security guard.
“I thought he was hitting him; I never saw the knife until we were outside,” Hyde said. “I got him (Clements) in a headlock and pulled him off the guard.”
Hyde said an employee of Social Security, Anthony Burtt, ran over to help, stopping to grab the handcuffs from the injured security guard.
Hyde said he doesn’t remember quite how it happened, but he, Burtt and Clements all wound up outside the building, with Hyde and Burtt trying to get Clements handcuffed. A second security guard ran out from another part of the building to help, and then police officers began to arrive.
Holland confirmed that the two men were instrumental in saving the security guard from further attack.
“That’s my understanding,” Holland said.
Hyde said he reacted instinctively to help the guard, and was surprised more people in the waiting room did not help.
“Not one got up to help us,” Hyde said. “I’m not going to let someone kill someone right in from of me; if he (Clements) had started stabbing me — or anyone else in the room — he (the guard) would have been right there for me.”
Instead, the other people waiting for their appointments “moaned and groaned” when police told them they were closing the building and everyone would have to leave.
Hyde said he is recovering from his ordeal. He worked for Goodyear for 32 years before becoming disabled. Both he and Burtt, who is married to a Goodyear employee, were recognized in the Goodyear employee newsletter on Friday.
“By all accounts, they are definitely life-saving heroes in this situation,” Mike Lewandowski, Goodyear’s human resources manager, said in the article.
Hyde said he was puzzled when police officers and other officials at the scene shook his hand and thanked him for saving the security guard’s life.
“I wondered how they were so sure,” Hyde said.
His question was soon answered — the entire incident was caught on videotape.
Burtt could not immediately be reached for comment.
Source:NewsAdvance
As a PSO on a FPS contract it really opens your eyes to the fact that no matter where you work this job is dangerous. So many hours of monotonous duty can end suddenly and you had better be prepared. I will say this about the citizens who helped that officer, thank you. And to all security officers everywhere, watch your back and stay safe. Train on your own time because we all know our employers fail miserably in furnishing quality training.