Good Samaritan helps Columbus officer during foot chase

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) – The Columbus Police Department is thanking a good Samaritan for assisting an officer during a foot pursuit of a wanted person Wednesday afternoon.

According to police, when Derek Woodson, 37 of Columbus, saw officer Travis Harbaugh exit his patrol car he began to run.

Harbaugh told Woodson, who had a warrant for his arrest, to stop running but Woodson refused.

Shortly after, a Good Samaritan heard Harbaugh yell at Woodson, then grabbed Woodson and took him to the ground.

The Good Samaritan held the suspect to the ground until Harbaugh handcuffed him.

The officer found a small amount of methamphetamine, marijuana and a glass smoking pipe in Woodson’s clothing.

“We would like to thank the Good Samaritan for assisting Officer Harbaugh” said Lt. Matt Harris, Public Relations Officer for the Columbus Police Department. “While we certainly don’t advocate civilians putting themselves in harm’s way, his quick actions and willingness to assist of our officer made a difference.”

Woodson was brought to the Bartholomew County Jail and faces the following preliminary charges:

• Bartholomew County Warrant
• Resisting Law Enforcement
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia