Salibury chief says bystander likely saved officer’s life during assault

A bystander likely saved an officer’s life during a knife-wielding assault at a Cookout Sunday evening, the Salisbury Police Department said.

Officers responded to the restaurant on East Innes Street around 8:15 p.m. for a disturbance call.

When officers arrived, police said they found the suspect, identified as Jamie Hunt, 44, armed with a knife.

“A struggle ensued,” according to a release. That’s when Hunt began swinging the knife, injuring one officer.

“During the altercation, a bystander intervened to assist the officers and sustained several lacerations to his left hand while preventing the officer from suffering further stab wounds,” the department said. “His actions likely saved the officer’s life.”

An officer used a Taser to subdue Hunt, who was then taken into custody.

Everyone involved was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The officer and bystander were treated and released.

The suspect is in custody but is expected to remain at the hospital for several days, police said.

Once released, Hunt faces several charges that include two felony counts of assault on a government official with a dangerous weapon, one felony count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of resisting, obstructing and delaying a public officer.

“I am thankful for the citizen who stepped in to help. His act of bravery likely saved an officer’s life,” Salisbury Police Chief Patrick Smith said in a release. “We are relieved that both our officer and this Good Samaritan are recovering.”

The investigation is ongoing.