A Columbia man received special recognition by the Columbia Police Department (CPD)for his brave efforts in helping with a recent arrest.

On Tuesday, a CPD officer was attempting an arrest of a man at the S-Mart gas station on Elmwood Avenue.

The man was accused of punching the gas station clerk in the face and threatening to harm her and another person with a knife, while refusing to let them leave.

The officer tased the suspect and used pepper spray, but was not able to restrain him, until Cray Turmon sprung into action.

"I just went a total blank," says Turmon. "I saw an opportunity to help this lady and I didn't think about what could happen to me."

Turmon was walking to the S-Mart when he saw everything go down.

"I wouldn't normally do something like that, but my instinct said just go."

Because of his bravery, the officer was able to make the arrest. On Wednesday, CPD Chief Skip Holbrook awarded him with a certificate for his "extraordinary actions to preserve life and aid public safety."

"I really appreciate all of the officers," says Turmon. "This time I'm not on the other end of the law. I'm on the right end of the law this time." Read more on WLTX


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