South Gate Resident Honored for Helping Deputy Cuff Suspect

From a press release:

Century Station Captain Ernie Chavez last week bestowed South Gate resident Miguel Becerra with a Good Samaritan Award - the highest award the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department could give a civilian.

Becerra, an 11-year-resident of South Gate, drives through Lynwood everyday to get to and from his job in Gardena, but on May 1, 2014 as he was driving home from work he saw something out of the ordinary. Becerra was on his way home from work when he noticed a deputy struggling with a suspect in the middle of the intersection of State Street and Michigan Avenue in Lynwood. Becerra said there were a lot of people watching the scuffle, but something in him told him that “watching” wasn’t right.

“We all had to stop our cars, but I didn’t feel like watching was right; so I got out of my car and asked the deputy if he needed help,” said Becerra, adding that he didn’t think it would hurt to ask. “Surprisingly the deputy said yes, so I jumped in to help and the deputy was able to put the handcuffs on him. Soon after, other deputies arrived so I figured my job was done, but they asked me to wait so that I could give a statement.”

While most people are afraid to “jump in” or “interfere” or “get involved,” Becerra said that he didn’t feel afraid. “All I felt was that I couldn’t just stand there and watch. I didn’t feel that was right. The deputy needed some help and to me, we should all do a good deed every day. When someone needs help, and you can help, you should help,” said Becerra. “I never expected to be recognized for it, I just helped.”

Becerra was asked to attend the City of Lynwood’s City Council Meeting where he was recognized by the Lynwood City Council and by the Sheriff’s Department.

“We are grateful that you chose to get involved, we are grateful that you didn’t just stand there and watch,” said Captain Chavez. “We want you to know that we are truly grateful that you were passing by at that very moment, and I want you to know that I am truly grateful that you were there to help one of my deputies. Thank You.”

Becerra, who attended the City Council meeting with his family, wishes only one thing comes out of his experience; that his daughter learn to not be afraid of the police. “With everything that they see on TV, I expect for most of our kids to grow up being afraid of the police,” said Becerra. “Well, I’ve learned that not all cops are bad and they are here to protect us. I hope that my actions teach her that she can always trust the police.”

Becerra also received a $100 gift certificate to La Huasteca. Becerra said that he had never eaten as La Huasteca but that it was the best dinner he had ever had. “Not only was the food really good, but it had meaning to it because it was a gift from the Sheriff’s Department,” he said. “I didn’t stop to help the deputy for a reward or a dinner; I stopped because I was taught to always help when you can.”

Captain Chavez said that he’s not expecting for everybody to start placing themselves in harm’s way for a deputy.

“This took a lot of courage, and his decisive great actions prevented our deputy from being hurt,” said Chavez. “I’m a big advocate of community involvement. We need to continue getting those calls from the community, but this gentleman went above and beyond community involvement and for that, the Sheriff’s Department is grateful.”