Clewiston officer subdues knife wielding assailant

Posted 12/14/20

A traffic stop turned into a life-threatening situation for a Clewiston police officer on Dec. 10.

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Clewiston officer subdues knife wielding assailant

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CLEWISTON — A traffic stop turned into a life-threatening situation for a Clewiston police officer on Dec. 10.

On Thursday, Dec. 10, at around 3:30 p.m., a Clewiston Police officer conducted a traffic stop along East Obispo Avenue. The officer was in a marked, city-issued, patrol vehicle when he was reportedly ambushed by an individual armed with a knife. The assailant approached the patrol vehicle from behind.

“The unidentified individual attempted to stab the officer multiple times while the officer was seated in the officer’s patrol vehicle. During the assault the armed individual verbalized a desire to die,” stated a press release from the Clewiston Chief of Police, Aaron Angell.

“The officer acted swiftly and tactically, defending himself from an armed assailant’s knife and was able to fend off the attack.”

“During the course of the struggle the officer made multiple attempts to call for assistance but was unsuccessful due to failed radio transmissions from the issued hand-held radio. The officer was able to reach the in car radio to request additional units,” the press release stated. “Despite deadly force conditions the officer was able to subdue the armed assailant without injury. Due to the officer’s reactive and tactical response both officer and the armed assailant were unharmed. The City of Clewiston is beyond proud of this officer’s quick thinking and reverence for life safety for all.”

The city of Clewiston Police Department has provided available video footage of this incident, stating they released this footage, “With the hopes of raising awareness of the daily hazards which law enforcement officer’s nationwide face. Also with the hopes of raising awareness of mental health issues which plague our community and society nationwide.” The footage can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/204883249674566/posts/1761261970703345/?vh=e&d=n

The Clewiston Polive Department urges the community to reach out for help if you or someone you know are aware of someone in distress. There are nationwide resources including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline accessible 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 or 1-800-273- TALK. Or text the crisis hotline (text HELLO to 741741) both are free and available 7 days a week.

CPD, assailant, knife, stab, video

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