SUSPECT ARRESTED AFTER WITNESSES COME TO AID OF OFFICER IN EL CAJON

September 19, 2011 (El Cajon ) – Richard Nevett, 45, has been arrested and charged with robbery and assault on a police officer following a chase in which two bystander came to the aid of an officer struggling to control the combative suspect.

According to El Cajon Police, the suspect is a transient who entered the Fresh & Easy grocery store at 382 N. Second Street and left without paying for an item on September 13 at 11:30 p.m. When contacted by store employees and a security guard, he brandished several metal pipes and swung them aggressively at the guard before fleeing on foot with the stolen merchandise.

At the time, his description was broadcast to police but he was not located. About 20 minutes later, officers responded to a call of an intoxicated man causing a disturbance in the area of 230 Jamacha Road nearby. When police arrived, the man later identified as Nevett fled. El Cajon Police Officer Ben Hogan chased the suspect.

“Nevett turned and faced the officer brandishing a metal pipe and what appeared to be a knife, and began to advance on the officer in an aggressive manner,” Lt. R. Soulard stated in a release issued by the police. “Officer Hogan could also see that Nevett was still in possession of the stolen merchandise from the previous robbery.”

When Nevett continued to aggressively advance, the officer backed up and repeated commands for Nevett to drop his weapons. Nevett dropped the weapons and ran into the middle of the street. Officer Hogan again gave chase and again Nevett took a fighting stance, so Officer Hogan deployed his Taser (Electronic Control Device) to subdue Nevett, however it was ineffective.

Officer Hogan continued to chase Nevett, who tripped and fell in the parking lot of 1299 E. Main Street. Officer Hogan then attempted to physically subdue Nevett, who began to kick and punch Officer Hogan repeatedly.

At this time, two good Samaritans who witnessed Nevett fighting the officer assisted police by helping gain control of Nevett’s hands. After several other officers arrived on scene, Nevett was handcuffed and taken into custody.

Nevett was identified as the robbery suspect from Fresh & Easy and was later booked into San Diego County Jail after being treated at the hospital for minor injuries.

Officer Hogan received minor injuries during the incident. Neither of the Samaritans were harmed.

The El Cajon Police Department expressed appreciation to the good Samaritans who assisted Officer Hogan during this incident.

“Their quick response and willingness to get involved helped take this violent suspect into custody,” said Lt. Soulard, “and assisted the officer who did not have the upper hand during the struggle.”