Father-son duo jumps into action to help Gwinnett officer violently attacked by robbery suspect

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Two citizens who didn’t hesitate to help an officer in need were recognized Thursday by all the members of the Gwinnett County Police Department.

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On July 25, officers were called to the Stop and Save Food Market at 4601 Satellite Blvd. in Duluth about an armed robbery call.

Once officers arrived, they met with the clerk, who officials said had been badly beaten during the robbery.

After officers spoke with the clerk and reviewed security footage, they were able to obtain a description of the suspect.

Officer Anderson found an individual, later identified as Derrick Sutton, 38, of Atlanta, fitting the description.

Anderson attempted to arrest Sutton, but he didn’t obey Anderson’s orders and instead attacked him, officials said.

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Officer Anderson then saw that Sutton had a gun in his hand. He wasn’t able to contact dispatch and call for backup due to his radio being damaged during the attack.

While the altercation was occurring, Otto Ortiz and his son Anderson were inside their house when their dog started barking at the window.

According to the release, they saw Officer Anderson being attacked and rushed over to help him.

Ortiz was able to get the gun from Sutton and throw it out of reach.

Both Ortiz and his son were able to hold Sutton down, while Ortiz’s wife, Glenda Guerra, ran down the street and flagged down responding officers, who arrested Sutton.

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The department said it feels deep gratitude toward the Ortiz family for their bravery and assistance.

“Without their help, the outcome of the incident may have been very different,” the police department said.

Sutton is facing charges of felony obstruction of law enforcement, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, felon in possession of a firearm, kidnapping, aggravated assault and armed robbery.

He is currently behind bars at the Gwinnett County Detention Center.

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