An off-duty San Francisco Police Department officer was awarded with a bravery medal Friday for his heroic actions in a neighboring department's jurisdiction.
Riley Brandy was walking near Lake Merritt in Oakland on July 8 when he witnessed a suspect pull a rifle, which was later determined to be a BB gun, and demand that the victim cough up their cellphone during an armed robbery attempt, according to a press release.
Bandy jumped into action, but immediately had the weapon drawn on him by the suspect. The off-duty officer identified himself as a member of the San Francisco police force and demanded that the suspect lower the gun, but the teenage suspect took off running, police said in a press release.
After having the suspect's rifle repeatedly pointed at him during a subsequent foot chase, Bandy decided to call the Oakland Police Department and notify officers of the suspect's location, according to police.
The San Francisco cop stayed within reach and, after the suspect dropped the weapon, managed to tackle him to the ground and assist Oakland authorities with bringing the teenager into custody, police said in a press release.
San Francisco's Acting Police Chief Tony Chaplin and Oakland's Acting Assistant Police Chief David Downing presented Bandy with the Oakland Police Department Silver Star for bravery on Friday, according to police.
Bandy's commanding officers are trying prolong the praise for their comrade by nominating him for a San Francisco Police Department Medal of Valor, police said in a press release.
