Best Buy security guard fired after tackling suspect who fled deputies: 'Thought I was doing the right thing'
ROSEVILLE, Calif. -- A Best Buy security guard was fired after he tackled a suspect fleeing from deputies.
The security guard told KTXL his immediate reaction was to help the deputy in distress. Although he knew there were consequences, he said he didn't think twice before jumping in.
Surveillance footage, recorded by the family of Tyler, the former security guard, shows Placer County deputies chasing a suspect through a shopping plaza in Roseville, California.
“There was a guy who walked by, and when he got by his car, a bunch of undercover sheriffs came over to arrest him,” said Tyler.
Tyler, an Army veteran, who only wanted to be referred to by his first name, was working at the Best Buy store when he noticed a man, identified as 35-year-old Timothy Trujillo, knocking down a deputy.
Trujillo faces a host of charges, including burglary, possession of methamphetamine and assaulting and resisting a peace officer.
“Our policy is clear, employees are not to chase potential criminals outside of the store. Chasing an individual in the parking lot creates a safety risk that isn’t worth taking, regardless of how noble an employee’s intention is.”
Tyler told KTXL he has no hard feelings toward his former employer. He said he's just happy knowing he helped put a criminal behind bars.
“Seemed like it was the right thing. Like I said, it was someone running from the cops. Seemed like the logical thing to do,” Tyler said.