Denver police on Thursday recognized six people who took action that in one case might have saved a life and in 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 the Parks Department was taking 12 children between the ages of 5 and 10 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 its 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 pair while calling police, who had received a 911 call from a woman who reported being robbed at gunpoint.
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 onto the ground. Police arrested both.
Authorities later determined the gun had been stolen from Fort Collins police.
“This was a very serious criminal that was taken off the street,” Detective Todd Erickson said.
Three other men were at the corner of East 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 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
