Cyclist assists in arresting murder suspect by lending wheels to police officer
Officers toured the area in the city’s Old Fourth Ward on Tuesday, where a fatal shooting occurred when they spotted the suspect, according to an information statement from the Atlanta Police Department.
Stephen Willard told CNN he was riding a bike to his home when he noticed a police chase.
“I’m driving home from work … and the next thing I see are APD officers rushing towards me,” Willard said. “The next thing I know one of the officers is waving his arms and kicking me down and saying,‘ Hey, Mom, don’t let me borrow your bike! “”
Willard got off his bike and handed it to the officer.
A video of a bodycam posted by police over the internet catches a police officer pedaling down BeltLine and busy city streets while holding the suspect in place. In the sound he provides updates on the suspect’s whereabouts.
After a few minutes, the clerk on a bicycle is drawn to the town market of Ponce, a mixed-use development. Another police officer is already taking the suspect into custody.
“We have it, we have it, we have it,” the cyclist police officer says.
Meanwhile, Willard called the police department and told police where he was waiting. After 30 to 40 minutes the officer returned with his bicycle.
“He was very excited that I caught the guy and thanked me quite a bit,” Willard said. “I said, you’re appreciated, even though the voices loudly deny you, you’re appreciated.”
Willard and the officer separated.
“It was pretty great and I felt good. Everything really worked out,” Willard said. “They caught the suspect and I returned the bike in one piece.”
Nicholas Fonsaca, 21, of Atlanta, has been arrested and charged with murder, according to police. He is charged with shooting the death of a 37-year-old man on Sunday, police said.
Fonsaca is in the Fulton County Jail, and police told CNN it is not yet known if there are any lawyers.
“We are proud of the work that our investigators have invested in this case and we are proud of the efforts of our police officers in the pursuit and arrest of this dangerous suspect,” the Atlanta police said in a statement.
“Plus, we’re grateful for the cyclist’s help in renting his bike. With the help of the community, we can make the city of Atlanta safer.”
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