Civilian tackles bad guy?

[drift_g35]

I dont know if anyone here is a police officer, but yesterday I saw an Englewood Police officer chase a guy, tried to fire his taser but it either didnt fire or hit the guys backpack. A bystander grabbed the guy as he was running and slammed him down on the ground and the officer and the bystander subdued the bad guy with a few kidney punches and knees to the head, until backup arrived...

My question is... Can that bystander get in trouble for helping the officer? He got up real fast and walked away without a statement and im guessing that was because the officer told him to get lost so he didnt have to get involved in anything. Does anyone have any ideas?

Anyone an Englewood Police officer and want to let us all know why he ran?

[OneGuy67]

He can be sued in civil court by the suspect and isn't covered by any immunity. He wouldn't get in trouble for assisting and should have been thanked publicly by the PD.

[Byte Stryke]

well if the officer never got his name, he cannot put it in the police report, it cannot be subpoenaed, no civil case can be filed.

Just Sayin'

[OneGuy67]

well if the officer never got his name, he cannot put it in the police report, it cannot be subpoenaed, no civil case can be filed.

Just Sayin'

You are correct Byte, but I believe he was asking about what could have possibly happened to the good citizen.

[Gunner]

I know that if an officer needs your help and tells you to and you do nothing you can get int some trouble. the bystander shouldhave stopped the man and held him until the police could properly arrest the man assuming the guy was not trained to arrest etc.

[BPTactical]

One Guy - if an officer asks for assistance is a citizen bound to assist?

[Gunner]

Guess I'm not positive on that I had just heard it. Should have specified

[King]

One Guy - if an officer asks for assistance is a citizen bound to assist?

I believe so, although I cant find the statute.

[King]

Here we go
18-1-701.
Execution of public duty. (1) Unless inconsistent
with other provisions of sections 18-1-702 to 18-1-
710, defining justifiable use of physical force, or with some
other provision of law, conduct which would otherwise constitute
an offense is justifiable and not criminal when it is
required or authorized by a provision of law or a judicial
decree binding in Colorado.
(2) A “provision of law” and a “judicial decree” in subsection
(1) of this section mean:
(a) Laws defining duties and functions of public servants;
(b) Laws defining duties of private citizens to assist public
servants in the performance of certain of their functions;

[Teufelhund]

Here we go
18-1-701.
Execution of public duty. (1) Unless inconsistent
with other provisions of sections 18-1-702 to 18-1-
710, defining justifiable use of physical force, or with some
other provision of law, conduct which would otherwise constitute
an offense is justifiable and not criminal when it is
required or authorized by a provision of law or a judicial
decree binding in Colorado.
(2) A “provision of law” and a “judicial decree” in subsection
(1) of this section mean:
(a) Laws defining duties and functions of public servants;
(b) Laws defining duties of private citizens to assist public
servants in the performance of certain of their functions;

If I read that right, it just says you're not committing a criminal act by tackling someone if an officer asked you to do so. It doesn't state one is bound to assist.

I'd also like to know if there is a statute which would require one to assist if asked. I would be surprised if such a law did exist. I'm pretty sure an officer can't make me tackle someone.