In a notable incident in New Orleans, a top-ranking officer from the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) extended gratitude and recognition to a group of bystanders who intervened when an officer was violently attacked.
The altercation occurred when an NOPD officer responded to a shoplifting call at a convenience store located on Chef Menteur Highway. The situation quickly escalated, leading to a potentially life-threatening scenario that could have had severe consequences if not for the timely actions of several community members.
Incident Details:
On a Saturday afternoon, 41-year-old Lamont Mathis entered a convenience store on Chef Menteur Highway. Surveillance footage obtained by local news outlet WWL Louisiana shows Mathis taking a bottle of liquor from the store’s storage room.
The store owner noticed the theft and confronted Mathis, successfully retrieving the bottle of liquor. However, this confrontation marked the beginning of a much more dangerous situation.
The store owner noticed that Mathis was carrying a gun and immediately called the police. When the NOPD officer arrived at the scene, he attempted to detain Mathis. The situation rapidly escalated when Mathis resisted arrest. The officer deployed his taser, but this did not subdue Mathis.
Instead, the suspect became more aggressive, physically assaulting the officer. According to court documents, Mathis threw the officer to the ground, repeatedly punching him in the head and attempting to strangle him. The severity of the attack left the officer in a vulnerable position, needing urgent assistance.
Community Intervention:
At this critical moment, several bystanders, led by a man named Van Rankins, intervened to assist the officer. Video footage circulating on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, captures the intensity of the situation.
The bystanders can be heard pleading with Mathis, urging him to stop his assault on the officer. Their collective efforts eventually helped subdue Mathis until additional NOPD officers arrived at the scene.
Rankins, who played a pivotal role in de-escalating the violence, later explained that the bystanders were not seeking to engage in violence but were focused on preventing further harm. “We didn’t want him to hurt the officer, and we didn’t want the officer to hurt him,” Rankins said.
He expressed that their primary concern was ensuring that no one involved in the altercation sustained serious injuries. This sentiment of community responsibility and care for all individuals involved was a central theme in the bystanders’ actions.
Recognition and Aftermath:
In the aftermath of the incident, the NOPD, along with community leaders, organized a show of support and gratitude for Rankins and the other bystanders who intervened. During a small ceremony, NOPD Chief Anne Kirkpatrick personally thanked Rankins for his bravery and presented him with a special coin, a token of appreciation not commonly given out.
Chief Kirkpatrick emphasized that Rankins’ actions were extraordinary, stating, “I do not hand this out to just anybody.”
While the NOPD does not advocate for civilians to engage in dangerous situations, the department acknowledged that in this particular instance, the bystanders’ actions were instrumental in preventing a potentially fatal outcome.
Chief Kirkpatrick noted that sometimes, people familiar with their community know when and how they can intervene without exacerbating the situation. Rankins, who knew Mathis, echoed this sentiment, stressing that their intervention was aimed at ensuring the best possible outcome—no lives lost.
The officer involved in the altercation was treated for minor injuries and has since been released. He is currently recovering and taking the necessary time to heal before returning to duty.
Legal Proceedings:
Lamont Mathis was arrested and taken to the Orleans Justice Center, where he is facing multiple charges. These include battery of a police officer and resisting a police officer with force. As the legal proceedings continue, the community’s focus remains on the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and civilians in maintaining safety and order, even in the most challenging situations.
This incident highlights the crucial role that everyday citizens can play in supporting law enforcement, particularly in moments of crisis. The recognition given to Rankins and the other bystanders serves as a reminder of the power of community solidarity and the impact that courageous actions can have in preserving life and preventing further violence.
