SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A San Diego-based sailor was honored today for his role in helping to subdue a suspect trying to steal a handgun from a San Bernardino police officer.
U.S. Naval Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Rendy Tolo was awarded the San Bernardino Police Department's Police Citizen's Medal, for his assistance to detectives at the National Orange Show in January.
Police said a suspect attempted to steal a detective's handgun and was tasered during a struggle to subdue the man. The suspect continued to attack the detectives, police said, and Tolo stepped in to help.
"I appreciate what the San Bernardino Police Department is doing," Tolo said. "All I was doing was just doing my job. I was just helping the two police officers out when they asked for help. All I wanted to do was help them."
Police said the suspect was later found to be under the influence of narcotics and charged with felony assault of a police officer.
Tolo is currently stationed at Naval Branch Health Clinic on Naval Base Coronado.
"We are incredibly proud of HM2 Tolo," Naval Medical Center San Diego's Command Master Chief Kelly McNulty said. "We know his actions are a great credit to him and his character, and he also reflects the high caliber Sailors we are privileged to have at this command."
Detectives Shelly Vasilis and Tony King, who Tolo helped, said they were incredibly grateful for Tolo's help.
"I have worked in this city as a cop for almost 20 years," Detective Vasilis said. "I can only think of a handful of times where citizens have come to my aid, and I must say, I have been in many situations like this. My partner and I are incredibly grateful."
