Tampa, Fla. (970 WFLA)- Because of the quick actions of two passersby, a Tampa Police Officer escaped serious injuries after a suspect attacked the officer, as he was questioning the suspect.
Officer Michael Collins responded to a disturbance call from the Econo Lodge Hotel on North Dale Mabry. That's where a man was reported to be wandering through the hotel and took a key ring belonging to the hotel manager.
Officer Collins caught up to the suspect identified as, 18 year old Luis Vila of Tampa, walking along Himes Avenue. When the officer tried to talk with Vila, he hit the officer. Officer Collins tased the man with no effect. Vila continued hitting Officer Collins, both ended up on the ground.
A cab driver named Ray Freeman saw the two fighting and decided to try and help the officer, when he too was hit by Vila. A woman named Dolores Lyle saw what was happening and sat on the suspects legs, and with the help from the two, Officer Collins was able to handcuff Vila and take him in to custody.
Officer Collins was taken to the hospital to be checked out. Vila was arrested and is facing numerous charges, including,battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence , battery and burglary.
Tampa Police Chief Eric Ward said, "It is gratifying to see citizens willing to get involved. I can't say enough about the two that came to the officers aid, this is a true example of law enforcement and the community working together to keep our city safe."
The photo of Vila is from an earlier arrest.
Photo Credit:Tampa Police