Airmen in right place at right time

  • Published
  • By Airman Alex Martinez
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  A man is lying in a pool of his blood -- a victim of a pointless crime. He has been stabbed, and the suspect is running from the scene, inches from freedom. Police officers then try to find the suspect, keeping in mind the safety of hundreds of innocent bystanders enjoying their day at the mall. 

It's time to make a decision. Go about your day and allow local officials to take care of business, or use your Air Force training and make a difference? 

Two Warren Airmen decided to make a difference and put service before themselves. 

"We were in the right place at the right time," said Senior Airman Jason Smith, 90th Security Forces Squadron and one of the Airmen who helped apprehend the suspect. 

The incident happened Aug. 18 at the Frontier Mall in Cheyenne. An argument between two young men resulted in one of the men allegedly pulling out a knife and stabbing the other. 

The alleged assaulter fled the scene, hiding anywhere he could, while the police responded and a chase ensued. Airman Smith saw the incident and decided he had to do something. 

During the time of the attack, Senior Airman Phillip Boyd, 90th SFS, noticed Airman Smith pursuing somebody and joined the chase. Airman Boyd kept the Cheyenne Police Department on his cell phone and helped guide them to the assaulter's location.
 
"We didn't have guns or any equipment," Airman Boyd said. "We just had to make the right decision with what we had." 

CPD officers soon caught the suspect, and the stabbing victim was treated and is in good condition. 

Airman Boyd and Airman Smith were both recognized for their brave acts and Airman Boyd received the Air Force Commendation medal for heroism recently.