Eric L. Fullerton rescued a man from assault, Salt Lake City, Utah, June 25, 2007. A 46-year-old man was working behind the counter of a fast food restaurant when a prisoner who had just escaped custody during transport entered the restaurant and threatened its patrons and staff with a semiautomatic handgun. The assailant went behind the counter, grabbed the employee, and, threatening to kill him, began to drag him toward the back of the restaurant. The assailant fired a shot and struck the employee on the head repeatedly with the butt of the gun. A customer, Fullerton, 59, truck driver, was standing in front of the counter as the assault unfolded. He jumped over the counter, approached the assailant, and engaged him in a hold, freeing the employee, who then fled, as did others in the restaurant. A struggle for control of the gun ensued between Fullerton and the assailant, who struck Fullerton repeatedly with his fist. Securing a knife from nearby, the assailant then cut Fullerton on the neck as Fullerton pried the assailant’s fingers from the gun. Gun in hand, Fullerton kept the assailant in check as he left the restaurant. Police who had arrived took Fullerton to safety and then apprehended the assailant. Both Fullerton and the employee received hospital treatment for their injuries, Fullerton’s including abrasions, contusions, and a laceration to his neck that required sutures. He recovered.
80437 – 9379
80437-9379