“I’ve got your back” – Civilian Prevents Knife Assault on Officer
The following is the actual Barnstable Police Press statement prepared by Lt. Mark Cabral:
On Thursday August 24, 2017 at approximately 12:50 a.m., Officer James Melia was dispatched to the Duck Inn Pub on Main Street in Hyannis for a report of an unknown problem with an intoxicated male. Officer Melia spoke with staff members at the Duck Inn Pub and they pointed out a male that was starting fights with other patrons. The male was identified as Mark Zwick, age 44 of West Yarmouth, MA. Officer Melia spoke with Zwick and then attempted to place him into protective custody based on his extreme level of intoxication.
Zwick did not comply with the officer’s commands and he began to fight with him. Officer Melia was struggling with Zwick on the ground for several minutes. While Zwick was fighting with Officer Melia, a staff member from the Duck Inn Pub came to assist. The staff member, identified as David Duncan, said to Officer Melia “I’ve got your back.” Duncan then began to yell, “Drop the knife! Drop the knife” at an unknown male who was moving towards Officer Melia with a knife in hand poised to strike. Officer Melia was still fighting with Zwick and was unaware that the male with the knife was approaching and preparing to assault him. The male was only 2-3 feet from the officer when Duncan physically disarmed him and then threw the knife away to a safe location. Moments later, several officers arrived on scene and placed both Zwick and the other male into custody.
The actions of David Duncan likely prevented a serious assault on the unknowing officer. The Barnstable Police Department commends Mr. Duncan for his selfless, quick reaction in a very dangerous situation.
The male that was disarmed and placed under arrest is identified as Christopher Robson, age 49, of Hyannis. Robson is being charged with Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon – Knife. Robson was booked at the Barnstable Police Department and held there until his arraignment at Barnstable District Court.
Press release prepared by Lt. Mark Cabral – cabralm@barnstablepolice.com “I’ve got your back” – Civilian Prevents Knife Assault on Officer
On Thursday August 24, 2017 at approximately 12:50 a.m., Officer James Melia was dispatched to the Duck Inn Pub on Main Street in Hyannis for a report of an unknown problem with an intoxicated male. Officer Melia spoke with staff members at the Duck Inn Pub and they pointed out a male that was starting fights with other patrons. The male was identified as Mark Zwick, age 44 of West Yarmouth, MA. Officer Melia spoke with Zwick and then attempted to place him into protective custody based on his extreme level of intoxication.
Zwick did not comply with the officer’s commands and he began to fight with him. Officer Melia was struggling with Zwick on the ground for several minutes. While Zwick was fighting with Officer Melia, a staff member from the Duck Inn Pub came to assist. The staff member, identified as David Duncan, said to Officer Melia “I’ve got your back.” Duncan then began to yell, “Drop the knife! Drop the knife” at an unknown male who was moving towards Officer Melia with a knife in hand poised to strike. Officer Melia was still fighting with Zwick and was unaware that the male with the knife was approaching and preparing to assault him. The male was only 2-3 feet from the officer when Duncan physically disarmed him and then threw the knife away to a safe location. Moments later, several officers arrived on scene and placed both Zwick and the other male into custody.
The actions of David Duncan likely prevented a serious assault on the unknowing officer. The Barnstable Police Department commends Mr. Duncan for his selfless, quick reaction in a very dangerous situation.
The male that was disarmed and placed under arrest is identified as Christopher Robson, age 49, of Hyannis. Robson is being charged with Assault by Means of a Dangerous Weapon – Knife. Robson was booked at the Barnstable Police Department and held there until his arraignment at Barnstable District Court.
