A British police officer on holiday in Nashville sprang into action to save an American colleague from a violent attack. Police Sergeant Taylor Johanson of Kent Police had just landed in the United States on May 7 and was driving when he witnessed Officer Peter Kinsey of the Metro Nashville Police Department involved in a roadside altercation at around 8 pm local time.
Details of the Incident
Officer Kinsey had been injured after confronting a man walking along the side of an interstate. The individual, identified by US media as 43-year-old Joseph Rainey, ignored Kinsey's warnings to stay off the busy road. When Kinsey attempted to detain Rainey, a struggle ensued. Local media reported that Rainey grabbed the officer's holstered gun and fired a round. Fortunately, no one was struck by the bullet.
British Officer's Intervention
Upon seeing the altercation, PS Johanson rushed in to assist. He helped subdue Rainey and stayed with Kinsey until additional Nashville police arrived. Kinsey later described the incident as 'the closest near-death experience I can say I’ve had and probably the most traumatic on the street.'
PS Johanson, who works in Kent Police's Community Safety Unit, recounted: 'I saw the car parked up and then I could see the fight on the floor. I think I had been on the flight for eight hours, so it took me a second to realize what was going on. Then I saw the man on top of the officer, assaulting him quite badly, so I decided to jump in, tackle him and take him on.' He added with humour: 'This was supposed to be a relaxing holiday away from my children but it started off quite the opposite!'
Commendations from Police Chiefs
Chief Constable Tim Smith of Kent Police praised Johanson's bravery: 'PS Johanson’s bravery in intervening in this incident was second to none. As a police officer you are never truly off duty and his natural reaction to run toward danger and assist is incredible. His skills and intervention no doubt helped to save an officer’s life and we are very proud of him. He is an asset to Kent Police.'
John Drake, chief of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, also commended Johanson: 'Our police department is beyond grateful to PS Johanson for stopping to assist Officer Kinsey, and actively engaging to subdue the man who was assaulting him. The suspect had already managed to get his finger into the trigger guard and fire a round from the officer’s holstered pistol. PS Johanson miraculously appeared when Officer Kinsey needed help. I believe he likely saved our officer’s life.'
