Bystander steps in to trip up suspect attempting to flee police [VIDEO]

Authorities in Ohio are recognizing a helpful volunteer who stepped in to help take down a suspect during a foot pursuit last month.

According to Fox News, Columbus police officers were chasing an 18-year-old who was attempting to flee on foot near an area library.

A bystander identified by police only as Bill reportedly saw the incident unfold, later claiming he saw the suspect put his hand in his waistband.

The grandfather’s act was caught on surveillance and body-mounted police footage and shows him stick his leg out to trip up the running teen.

“That move likely saved the 18-year-old suspect’s life,” a police Facebook post asserted.

TALK ABOUT FANCY FOOTWORK- CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO:April 3, 2018 "Bill" was at a west Columbus library with his…

Posted by Columbus Division of Police on Thursday, May 3, 2018

“‘Bill’ assessed the situation as fast as he could, cane in hand. He heard officers yelling multiple times to drop the gun,” police said. “‘Bill’ says with officers lagging a bit behind the suspect he did what he could to help them nab the armed man.”

Police described the good Samaritan as an example of a model citizen.

“Community involvement, be it by courage, bravery and/or fancy footwork, helped take a criminal off the streets of Columbus,” the police statement read.

Knocking the suspect off balance allowed pursuing officers to apprehend him without further incident. Authorities say they later found he was carrying a 9mm Glock handgun along with an extended clip with 29 rounds of ammunition inside.

“Thank you ‘Bill’ for sticking your leg out for us,” police wrote to the man who helped secure the April 3 arrest.

[Featured image: Columbus Division of Police/video screenshot]