BUTLER COUNTY — After being in the right place at the right time, one Good Samaritan in Ohio was awarded for a “citizen’s arrest” for helping an elderly woman. Deshawn Pressley tackled and stopped a purse thief December 5th after the man stole the purse from an eighty-seven year old woman as she waited in the Kroger checkout line.
Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones presented Deshawn Pressley with the Citizen’s Award last week alongside Pat Goins, the woman whom Pressley helped.
“I’m glad that he received this honor because he is my hero,” Pat Goins told FOX19 Cincinnati.
Pressley was with his one-year-old daughter in the checkout line when he met Goins. “I heard her screaming and yelling … it was the yell that I need help,” Pressley told reporters. “And I just turned around and did what I needed to do as a citizen.”
Pressley chased down the man identified as Derek Vauhn, 58, who was arrested and charged with robbery and theft.
Pressley credited his own grandma who raised him after his mom died. He shared that his grandma instilled the values of helping those who cannot help themselves. “My grandma did very good by me,” he said. “It was good that she taught me what she taught me, and I’m thankful for her.”
Pressley credited his own grandma who raised him after mom died. He shared that his grandma instilled the values of helping those who cannot help themselves.
Goins said she has a “dinner date” with Pressley to thank him for his heroic action.
The County Sheriff’s Department in southwestern Ohio is know for equipping its citizenry.
Butler County has a Citizens on Patrol (COP), which is an active volunteer group that was established by the Sheriff’s Office over ten years ago. The members originally attended the Sheriff’s Citizen Academy classes and then were recruited for the Citizens on Patrol. Members were chosen after interviews with department staff and then attended an eight week course specially designed for patrol members.
The patrol members drive a marked cruiser and cover all of Butler County. They check on the homes of those who have requested vacation checks in all thirteen townships. COP also checks Metro Parks and other small parks or school lots within the county.
View the video below from Butler County Sheriff’s Department Facebook.
The Bottom Line:
The Bible says in Second Timothy, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”
