When Guard Duty Becomes Life Duty: How a Security Guard Saved a Wounded Officer
Image source: AZ Family
Phoenix, AZ – April 7, 2024
Late one night at a convenience store and gas station, what began as a routine trespass call turned into a near-catastrophe. In a matter of seconds, a law-enforcement officer was stabbed—and in those same seconds, a security guard stepped up, intervened, and potentially saved a life. Police1+2Police1+2
The Incident: From Trespass to Terror
Around 1 a.m., a security guard at a gas-station in Phoenix notified police about a man trespassing in the parking lot. When the officer arrived, nearly all of the group had left—except one suspect inside the store. Police1+1
The officer approached the suspect and escorted him out of the store. Without warning, the suspect pulled a knife and stabbed the officer twice in the neck. Police1+1
At that very moment, the guard—identified as Jameel Kelewood—and a store clerk intervened. Kelewood tackled the suspect to the ground, preventing further harm until backup arrived. Officer+1
The officer sustained serious but non–life-threatening injuries; the suspect was ultimately arrested and faces multiple felony charges. Police1+1
Why a Security Guard’s Action Mattered
Speed-of-response: In seconds, the situation shifted from officer under attack to suspect contained.
Physical intervention: Kelewood didn’t wait for police backup—his decision to act changed the outcome.
Protecting the protector: The guard’s intervention directly aided a wounded officer, something that law-enforcement leaders said was life-saving. Police1
Preparedness counts: While we don’t have full details on training, the ability to respond under high stress is a major factor in preventing worse outcomes.
Lessons & Take-aways for Security & Public Safety
Always monitor the perimeter — The initial call involved trespassers outside the store. That situational awareness enabled the guard to alert police.
Recognize escalation triggers — What began as a property-check became an assault. Understanding risk transition is key.
Be trained for worst-case — When violence erupts suddenly, preparedness (mental, physical, procedural) matters.
Coordinate with law enforcement — The guard’s call to police, and prompt arrival of an officer, were part of the chain that saved an officer’s life.
Recovery begins after crisis — The wounded officer must recover; the guard may also face trauma. Support, after-care and debriefing matter.
Looking Forward
This incident serves as a potent reminder that threats can arise where we least expect them—including the routine contexts of retail and fuel services. Security personnel and officers alike must stay vigilant, well-trained, and ready to act. In this case, the guard stepped into a dangerous moment and altered the outcome.
Kelewood’s intervention didn’t just stop the attacker—it enabled healing, defused further violence and upheld the safety net that officers rely on. In the ever-evolving landscape of public safety, such acts of readiness underscore why “Duty” starts long before a weapon is drawn.
