HENRICO COUNTY, Virginia -- Two Good Samaritans came to the aid of a Virginia State Police trooper who was assaulted during a traffic stop Wednesday morning.
Trooper M.W. Deus observed a vehicle speeding around 11:38 a.m. while traveling west on I-64 in Henrico County and activated his emergency lights, leading the driver to pull the vehicle to the right shoulder near the 192 mile marker, according to a news release.
During the traffic stop, the trooper detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Jessy Jimenez Remigios, 23, complied with the trooper's request to exit the vehicle and took a seat on the guardrail. When the trooper returned to his patrol car, Remigios returned to his car to retrieve something from inside and then threw it into the woods.
Deus then re-approached Remigios who then became combative towards the trooper. A struggle ensued during which Remigios punched him in the face. Remigios and the trooper were on the ground as Remigios was trying to forcibly remove the trooper's firearm.
Two motorists observed the struggle, pulled over and pulled Remigios off the trooper. They held him until Henrico County Police and additional troopers arrived on the scene moments later.
Deus was transported to VCU Medical Center for treatment of the facial injuries and was treated and released. Remigios also was transported to VCU Medical Center as a precautionary measure.
"We are greatly appreciative of the valiant actions put forth by the two men who came to the aid of Trooper Deus," Capt. Ted E. Jones, Virginia State Police Richmond Division commander, said in a statement. "There is no telling how this situation may have ended had these men not arrived when they did and had the suspect taken possession of the trooper's firearm."
Remigios was charged with assault on a law enforcement officer, attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer, obstruction of justice, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, damage to property and speeding. He is currently being held at Henrico County Jail.
