Bystander Helps California Officer in Struggle

A citizen came to the aid of a police officer as he struggled with a documented gang member who tried to take his gun, authorities said.

March 10, 2013

STOCKTON -- A citizen came to the aid of a police officer as he struggled with a documented gang member who tried to take his gun, authorities said.

Officers responded to the 200 block of East Canterbury Avenue about 4 p.m. Thursday on a report of an auto burglary in progress, police said.

When they arrived, they found Phyrun Dok, 28, inside a vehicle. Dok fled on foot, and one of the officers chased him for approximately a half-mile.

When the officer caught up to Dok, Dok took a fighting stance, grabbed at the officer and tried to take the gun from his holster, authorities said.

A citizen who saw the struggle joined the fray to assist the officer until additional officers arrived, police said. Dok was arrested on suspicion of battery on a police officer, attempting to take an officer's firearm, burglary, resisting arrest and other crimes, authorities said.