Grand Island Police have identified Lito Quinones, a U.S. Army Special Forces operator, as the Good Samaritan who assisted an officer in detaining a resistant suspect on Wednesday.
Officers were responding to a call about a man walking into traffic with his pants partially down. When the suspect resisted arrest, Quinones stepped in to help, allowing the officer to secure him in handcuffs.
Quinones left the scene before police could get his name, but after a public appeal, authorities were able to locate him.
“He said he didn’t do it for the recognition but is happy to be a symbol of the good happening in our community,” the Grand Island Police Department said.
Quinones will be formally recognized at an upcoming Grand Island City Council meeting.
Police Lt. Dean Kottwitz praised Quinones for seeking permission before assisting.
“The officer had the subject on the ground, but the citizen recognized he could help and asked before stepping in,” Kottwitz said. “That’s the right way to handle a situation like this.”
As for the suspect, David Benetez-Lopez, he was taken to jail, where staff reportedly found multiple pills in his possession. He faces charges of possession, obstructing an officer, and resisting arrest.
