Good Samaritan helps save officer from knife attack at Cookout

SALISBURY, N.C. — A bystander helped Salisbury Police officers subdue a knife-wielding suspect at a Cookout restaurant on East Innes Street on Sunday evening, likely saving an officer’s life, the chief said.

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The incident began around 8:15 p.m. when officers responded to a disturbance call at the restaurant. Upon arrival, they encountered Jamie Lynne Hunt, 44, who was armed with a knife. During the struggle, Hunt caused minor injuries to one officer before a bystander intervened, sustaining several lacerations to his left hand in the process.

“I am thankful for the citizen who stepped in to help. His act of bravery likely saved an officer’s life,” said Salisbury Police Chief Smith.

The second officer on the scene deployed a Taser twice, which allowed the officers to safely take Hunt into custody.

Everyone involved, including the officer, the bystander, and the suspect, were transported to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center for treatment.

The officer is fine and cleared to return to work this week.

The bystander had hand surgery because of the cuts.

Hunt was released from the hospital Tuesday and is now being held in the Rowan County Jail on a $100,000 bond. Police say at the time of this incident, Hunt was on probation for assaulting a Columbus County deputy with a knife.

Christina Bostian works down the road.

“I think we need more people to step up,” Bostian said. “I mean, there’s a lot going on in the world now. And we need more good Samaritans out there to help people out.”

She said it was “a good thing this one was in the right place at the right time.”

Salisbury Police haven’t identified that Samaritan yet, but plan to recognize him for his courageous actions once he recovers.

Hunt faces multiple charges, including two counts of felony assault on a government official with a dangerous weapon, one count of felony assault with a dangerous weapon, and one count of resist, obstruct, and delay a public officer. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

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