Rockford man honored for his help

CELINA - A 23-year-old Rockford man who helped end a scuffle between a Mercer County Sheriff's Office deputy and an intoxicated man resisting detainment was honored for his actions Monday.

Logan Sutter received a certificate of appreciation from sheriff Jeff Grey.

Grey said he believes this is the first time in his 20 years as sheriff that he has presented the award to a citizen who intervened to help a peace officer in distress. Logan Sutter accepted the award with a mixture of gratitude and humility.

On the night of April 23, Sutter, a volunteer with the Rockford Fire Department/Emergency Medical Services, was returning home from a squad run when he noticed a truck on the side of U.S. 127 near the former Breakaway RecPlex. He called in the incident and waited in his truck.

Sheriff's deputy Jacob Huber arrived on the scene to find a vehicle that had driven off the side of the road and struck a pole and fence.

Huber, who has been with the office for about two years, approached the driver sitting inside the vehicle, who reportedly was under the influence. The man reportedly exited the vehicle and became confrontational and stuck his arm out to push Huber away, per video footage of the incident.

As Huber attempted to detain the man, described as a large, muscular individual, a minute-plus physical struggle ensued that found the two men wrestling one another on the ground.

"There's a critical time. You've got the cop on his back and the bad guy on top of him," Grey said during one point in the video that also showed the man punching Huber.

Sutter, who was in his truck waiting to help out if needed when EMS arrived, saw what was happening and got out of his truck to help Huber.

"(The unnamed man) was on his back. I pushed down his chest and arm so he couldn't swing or grab anything off (Huber's) belt," Sutter said.

Celina police officers and EMS personnel then showed up to subdue the man.

"With all the crazy stuff that's going on right now with law enforcement, it's really nice that you stepped up and helped Jacob out when he's by himself," Grey said.

Sutter said he didn't think twice about intervening, noting he has family members who work in law enforcement.

"Well, I appreciate it. I'm pretty sure (Huber) does," Grey said. "Not everybody would do that. We're in the world now where instead of the public helping an officer that's in trouble, they're standing there with their cellphone videotaping, and you didn't do that. You jumped in and helped him out."

Grey said Huber handled the situation well.

"Jacob was polite. He tried to talk the gentleman down and tried to talk him into voluntary compliance. But when the guy reaches out to shove him, he's got to take control," Grey said. "People don't realize it (but) even in a small county like this, sometimes that stuff happens and it can get very violent very quickly."

Huber didn't know if the man had a weapon. He also had to make sure his gun and Taser didn't end up in the hands of the other man.

Huber's gun was secured in a level 3 holster, making it difficult for someone other than the deputy to remove the weapon, Grey said. However, his Taser, held in a level 2 holster, would have been easier to obtain, Grey said.

"When they're in close physical contact, part of what Jacob's trying to do is make sure he keeps his weapon that that guy can't get, "Grey said. "There were times in the struggle when Jacob had the advantage, and there were times in the struggle that the guy had the advantage."

Such a situation is further compounded due to the fact the person resisting is under the influence of alcohol or drugs and doesn't feel pain as easily, Grey said.

"The offender doesn't care if he hurts the law enforcement officer but yet the law enforcement officer is trying to get him under control without hurting him - and sometimes that just can't be avoided," Grey said.

In this particular incident, the man was taken to the hospital, not for any injuries incurred in the tussle with Huber but rather because of his intoxication level, Grey said.

Huber said he didn't have time to be scared when attempting to restrain the man.

"I wasn't really thinking about it at the time - adrenaline rush," he said.