Denver police recognized six people today who took action that might have saved lives in one case and in the others led to the capture of some bad guys.
Those receiving the commendations at Police headquarters ranged from a Denver Parks and Recreation employee to a musician.
Robert Henry Franklin, of Parks and Recreation, was carrying 12 children between 5 and 10 years-old on a field trip in a 16-person city bus when a dump truck made a sudden turn into his lane.
The truck pulled into the lane from a standing stop in a line of traffic. When Franklin swerved to avoid being slammed by the vehicle the bus took a glancing blow that left deep gouges along the bus’ length and blew out the windows, showering the occupants with glass.
“The bus made a very dramatic NASCAR type move to save the children on that bus,” said Deputy Chief John Lamb.
“We were really lucky, all the kids were OK and the bus is back so we can take them on more field trips,” Franklin said.
Sean Robinson and Zoey St. Lleeuwpaardtlijk foiled an armed robbery at 15th and Larimer streets. Robinson, an electrician, and Lleeuwpaardtlijk, a musician, were coming from a meeting when they noticed two men walking fast. They thought it odd that one was carrying a purse.
They followed the two as they called police, who had received a 911 call from a woman who reported being robbed at gun point.
Robinson saw one man throw the purse on the ground and flee. He stayed with the purse. An officer spotted the second man running and followed. The man threw a handgun on the ground. Police arrested both.
Police later determined that the gun, a .40-caliber Springfield, was stolen from Fort Collins Police.
“This was a very serious criminal that was taken off the street,” Det. Todd Erickson, said of the thief.
Three other men were at the corner of 14th Avenue and Sherman Street when another man grabbed a purse from a woman’s arm, knocking her to the ground.
Steve Schriber saw the robbery and yelled “stop that thief.”
John Vaticano heard Schriber and he and an unidentified friend chased the suspect, tackling him on the grounds of the state Capitol.
John Keisler was heading to his car and witnessed all the action. He called 911 and “gave police dispatch invaluable information until officers arrived,” according to the commendation.
“I have got a real loud, booming voice. I got people’s attention. I think that is what we can all do is make some noise,” Schriber said of his actions.
Tom McGhee: (303)954-1671 or tmcghee@denverpost.com
