Baton Rouge Woman Is Saluted by Police and Mayor for Bravely Aiding Injured Officer

Every police officer lives by the credo to “protect and serve” the citizens, but we usually don’t hear stories about citizens protecting police. In Baton Rouge, Louisiana where there is a history of police officers being gunned down, one good Samaritan prevented what could’ve been another senseless cop killing when she stopped her car to help an officer in need.

It was early morning on February 19 when Baton Rouge Officer Billie Amie on traffic duty pulled over a car and discovered drugs in the vehicle. When Amie tried to apprehend the suspect, he somehow grabbed his baton and began beating him over the head. The suspect also grabbed the officer’s flashlight and radio. Unable to call for help, Amie flagged down a passing vehicle driven by Vickie Williams-Tillman on her way to Walmart.

Williams-Tillman jumped on the assailant’s back to keep him from continuing to club the officer. She was also able to get the man’s hand off the cop’s handgun, Baton Rouge Police spokesman Sgt. L’Jean McKneely told The Advocate.

Police came and arrested the suspect. Amie walked away with only a concussion.

In a press conference at Baton Rouge Police Headquarters, Amie told Louisiana news channel WAFB-TV  he was grateful for Williams-Tillman’s selflessness. Presenting her with a bouquet of flowers, he said, “Angels, whatever it was God was watching down on both of us. They told her to stop. Next thing I knew she was pulling the suspect’s hand off of my gun. Without her stopping I can’t say what the outcome would’ve been.”

Williams-Tillman overcome with emotion told reporters, “I’m just glad that he’s (Amie) here. He was in a struggle. He needed help. I said ‘I can’t leave him.’ I’ve always been a tough cookie, my husband always told me.”

Officer Amie was overcome as well. “This a true hero right here that saved my life,” he said.

On the morning of the incident, Baton Rouge Police took to Facebook saluting Williams-Tillman for her courageous assistance.

“For a special #BRPDSalutes today we want to thank a very special lady,” the post read. “Early this morning one of our officers performed a traffic stop just before 8 a.m. in the 8400 block of Harry Drive, finding drugs in the man’s vehicle. Our officer tried to secure the man in handcuffs when the driver became aggressive. The 28-year-old man, grabbed the officer’s baton and used it to repeatedly hit the officer in the head. As the officer struggled with his assailant 56-year old, Vickie Williams-Tillman saw that our officer needed help. Ms. Williams-Tillman immediately called for more police but then went so much further. Risking her own safety, she jumped out of her vehicle and onto the back of the 28-year old assailant. Ms. Williams-Tillman was able to help hold off the assailant until other officers arrived. For going above and beyond in that moment to help our officer and possibly save his life we are forever grateful to you Ms. Vickie! For showing so much love and concern for one of our officers BRPDSalutes you!”

Williams-Tillman is pictured with Trenisha Jackson – whose husband, Baton Rouge Police Officer Montrell Jackson – was killed less than a year ago in the line of duty, previously reported by Your Daily Dish.

The post received over 7,000 likes and 2,000 shares, all in praise of Williams-Tillman’s bravery.

One comment read, “This is what courage looks like — stepping outside of minding your own business and stepping in. Ms. Williams-Tillman could have just rolled on by, but she stepped up and stepped out of her comfort zone. Thank you for your selflessness!”

Vickie Williams-Tillman said she didn’t hesitate to help.

“It was something that went through my soul. You don’t think about the risk.”

On February 20, Baton Rouge Mayor-president Sharon Weston Broome honored Williams-Tillman for her brave actions. She said in a statement, “Vickie Williams-Tillman epitomizes the true good Samaritan. She reached out and offered a courageous and unconditional response to the officer. Ms. Williams-Tillman is a hero and demonstrates the true meaning of loving God and loving your neighbor.”