A Kent Police sergeant has been hailed a hero after intervening to rescue an American officer from a violent attacker during his holiday in the States.
PS Taylor Johanson, who serves in Kent Police’s Community Safety Unit, had only just touched down in Nashville on May 7 when he saw Metro Nashville Police Department Officer Peter Kinsey being assaulted on an interstate exit ramp at around 8pm.
During the struggle, the assailant grabbed Mr Kinsey’s gun – and even managed to discharge a round.
The 43-year-old attacker, Joseph Rainey, has since been charged with aggravated assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.
Mr Kinsey had been driving his patrol vehicle when he spotted Rainey walking down the I-440 exit ramp towards West End Avenue.
The officer stopped and warned Rainey that pedestrians were not permitted on the interstate system.
Rainey ignored the instruction and continued walking.
After parking his car, Mr Kinsey pursued the man on foot and attempted to detain him.
PICTURED: Taylor Johanson (left) with Chief John Drake (centre) and the officer he helped, Peter Kinsey (right), after the incident
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METRO NASHVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
A violent struggle broke out on the roadside, with both men ending up on the ground.
While wrestling with the officer, Rainey reached into Mr Kinsey’s holster and pulled the trigger, firing a single shot.
Nobody was struck by the bullet.
Johanson, who had just come off an eight-hour transatlantic flight, spotted the patrol car stopped on the ramp and the violent confrontation unfolding on the ground.
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Mr Kinsey had been driving his patrol vehicle when he spotted Rainey walking down the I-440 exit ramp (pictured)
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METRO NASHVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
“I think I had been on the flight for eight hours, so it took me a second to realise what was going on.
“Then I saw the man on top of the officer, assaulting him quite badly, so I decided to jump in, tackle him and take him on,” he said.
The British sergeant then pulled Rainey away from Mr Kinsey, allowing the American officer to deploy his Taser and subdue the attacker.
Mr Johanson quipped: “This was supposed to be a relaxing holiday away from my children but it started off quite the opposite!”
Joseph Rainey has been charged with aggravated assault on a police officer and resisting arrest
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METRO NASHVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Kent Police Chief Constable Tim Smith praised his officer’s courage, saying: “PS Johanson’s bravery in intervening in this incident was second to none.
“As a police officer you are never truly off-duty and his natural reaction to run toward danger and assist is incredible.”
He added: “His skills and intervention no doubt helped to save an officer’s life and we are very proud of him. He is an asset to Kent Police.”
Nashville Police Chief John Drake said: “The suspect had already managed to get his finger into the trigger guard and fire a round from the officer’s holstered pistol.
“PS Johanson miraculously appeared when Officer Kinsey needed help. I believe he likely saved our officer’s life.”
Mr Kinsey said of the ordeal: “It’s probably the closest near-death experience I can say I’ve had and probably the most traumatic on the street.”