SALISBURY — A Salisbury Police officer was injured by a knife-welding man over the weekend.
According to a press release from the department, Salisbury Police officers responded to a disturbance call at the Cook Out restaurant located on East Innes Street on Sunday at approximately 8:15 p.m.
“Upon arrival, the first responding officer encountered a male subject armed with a knife,” the release said. “As the second officer arrived, a struggle ensued, and the suspect began swinging the knife, causing minor injuries to one of the officers.”
During the altercation, a bystander reportedly intervened to assist the officers and sustained several lacerations to their left hand while “preventing the officer from suffering further stab wounds,” the release noted.
The department credited the bystander with “likely saving the officer’s life.”
The second officer deployed a Taser twice, allowing officers to take the suspect into custody.
The officer, the bystander and the suspect were all transported to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center for treatment.
“The officer and bystander were treated and released,” the release noted. “The suspect remains in custody and is expected to be hospitalized for several days.”
The suspect was identified as Jamie Lynne Hunt, 44, and faces the following charges:
- Two counts of assault on a government official with a dangerous weapon (felony)
- One count of assault with a dangerous weapon (felony)
- One count of resist, obstruct, and delay a public officer
Salisbury Police Chief Smith praised the bystander’s “quick and courageou”s actions.
“I am thankful for the citizen who stepped in to help. His act of bravery likely saved an officer’s life,” Smith said. “We are relieved that both our officer and this Good Samaritan are recovering”
The investigation remains ongoing. Additional details will be released if more information develops.
