COURT HOUSE — A local resident who helped police apprehend a suspected shoplifter was lauded by the Middle Township Committee during its Nov. 7 meeting.
James Fleming of Court House, assisted with the apprehension of a shoplifter outside Marshall’s on Sept. 2.
“My wife, daughter and I were driving to CVS,” Fleming told the Herald. “I saw some fighting going on and I noticed it was a police officer.”
Fleming, a disabled Coast Guard veteran said, “ When I realized he needed help, I swung my car around and parked.”
As he approached the scuffle, he could see that the police officer was in need of assistance.
“He was squirming and fighting and wouldn’t stay down, said Fleming.
Using security techniques he learned during his military career, Fleming was able to assist the officer in getting the suspect under control.
“There were about 20 people standing around,” said Fleming. “I have one hand and there was an able-bodied person standing nearby who did nothing. Because it was a police officer, I decided to help.”
Fleming lost the use of his right hand in an accident over a decade ago.
Once the suspect was under control, Fleming went back to life as usual.
“As soon as it was over, and I heard the click of the handcuffs, I went to CVS and did my shopping.”
“I’d still do it!” he said when asked if he’d do it again.
“The shoplifter was out of control,” said Township Police Chief Chris Leusner during the Committee’s presentation. “Middle Township is 72 square miles and your back-up may be miles away. We felt that (Fleming’s actions) rose to be recognized by us, and by his community.
