A local police officer received a bravery award for his actions against a suspect armed with a hatchet in Kitchener.
Constable Matthew Cabral from the Waterloo Regional Police Service was awarded the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery during a ceremony on Monday afternoon.
On February 5, Cabral was on patrol when he spotted a driver speeding away from his police cruiser, running a red light and crashing into another vehicle at Strasburg Road and Block Line Road in Kitchener.
Authorities reported that the suspect then threatened to engage in a fight with Cabral, who discharged his stun gun twice, but the suspect remained standing.
The man allegedly attempted to grab Cabral’s firearm before returning to his vehicle and emerging with a hatchet.
Despite the danger, Cabral maintained his position and drew his weapon “while keeping the public safe in a busy intersection.”
The situation was resolved when another officer arrived to assist, leading to the suspect being handcuffed.
Screenshot from witness video of the incident. (Reddit)
A statement from Solicitor General Michael Kerzner’s office noted, “Cabral’s restraint, quick thinking and courage under pressure protected the community during a dangerous and unpredictable encounter.”
Kerzner presented Cabral with the medal at an event that also honored 15 police officers and nine firefighters with either the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery or the Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery.
Police provided photo of Constable Matthew Cabral.
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Police provided photo of Constable Matthew Cabral.Source link
