Good Samaritan catches armed suspect fleeing police in Manhattan

A Good Samaritan helped catch a suspect who had brandished loaded weapons following a dispute in a bodega in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of New York, Jason Fleming was arrested on March 16 after he pulled out a rifle which had been swung over his shoulder.

A witness called 911, and police officers approached the suspect, after which Fleming took off running down the sidewalk. Surveilliance footage shows the citizen pushing the suspect into a nearby fence and handing him over to police.

Fleming is charged with possession of firearms after a felony conviction, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Ivan J. Arvelo, HSI special agent in charge, praised the citizens involved in apprehending the criminal, “HSI special agents are committed to public safety and do not hesitate to act when members of the community are threatened…

HSI remains steadfast in our commitment to our law enforcement partners in the cause of community safety.”