Lending a much-needed hand… Local resident risks own safety to aid EPD officer
Published 1:57 pm Friday, July 10, 2020
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Star Photo/Ivan Sanders
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BY IVAN SANDERS
STAR STAFF
We all at one time or another have always felt like that if there was a police officer near us who was in dire need of assistance that we would do whatever we could to provide any help that we could.
But not only did Elizabethton resident Mark Henry think about that day possibly being a reality, Henry actually had the opportunity to do on April 13, 2020.
Elizabethton Police Department Corporal Joe Holsclaw was responding to a call where a male subject was attempting to enter his ex-wife’s apartment on Spruce Lane in the EHDA community.
This particular subject had already been at the home on numerous occasions the night before eluding police each time they showed up to assist.
Corporal Holsclaw was familiar with the individual and was able to locate him behind the apartment complex. The subject resisted the initial arrest and began running from Cpl. Holsclaw.
As a foot chase ensued, Cpl. Holsclaw deployed his taser but missed due to the subject running toward a busy street.
With the foot chase in high gear, Henry heard Holsclaw calling for the individual to stop and without hesitation asked if the officer if he needed help.
Due to the chase and resistance offered, Holsclaw was becoming fatigued and that was when Henry jumped into action.
Henry then assisted by apprehending the suspect and restraining him until Holsclaw could get the suspect handcuffed and other officers arrived.
After the arrest, Holsclaw notified Elizabethton Police Chief Jason Shaw of the assistance rendered by Henry to the police department.
As a result of Henry’s willingness to assist, the police department has a category designed to recognize members of the community that have given commendable service to the police department.
“Mr. Henry’s actions bring great credit upon himself, his city, and the community in which he lives,” said Cpl. Holsclaw in his request for Henry to receive the commendation.
On Thursday evening at the Elizabethton City Council meeting, Shaw presented Henry with the commendation for helping apprehend the subject.
Henry’s family was present for the presentation and he was given a round of applause by those in attendance.
