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A pizza delivery driver in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, is being hailed a hero after he tripped a suspect being chased by police outside a home he was delivering pizza to.
Tyler Morrell, a driver for Cocco’s Pizza Aston, was bringing a pizza order to a home in Brookhaven when he spotted police cars chasing a dark-colored vehicle across the street.
“Honestly, I didn’t really think about doing anything but stepping in. I was raised to step in if you see something that’s not right. So, I just wanted to do my part,” Morrell said.
The incident was captured on a Ring doorbell camera and shared by the Brookhaven Police Department on social media, where it soon went viral.
In the footage, Morrell can be seen sweeping his leg underneath the fleeing suspect and tripping him, allowing officers to take the man into custody.
“Thank you, sir, for the assist!!! If you’re interested in a job, we are always looking for good people,” the department wrote.
Morrell, a former lacrosse goalie, joked that he tried his best to “prevent the cheese from sliding” on the pizza as he assisted police, but the pizza was “completely unharmed and enjoyed” by the homeowner.
Cocco’s Pizza Aston also confirmed that Morrell “still delivered the food unharmed” after his heroics.
According to police, the suspect led officers on a pursuit in a stolen car. After the car crashed, he exited and attempted to flee on foot before he was tripped by Morrel.
The suspect was later identified as 17-year-old Jhonael Gutierrez-Tejadas of Darby. He and another suspect – the 19-year-old driver of the stolen vehicle – were arraigned the following day and face charges.
Brookhaven Police Chief Michael Vice praised Morrell’s actions.
“It was literally the right place at the right time. He was able to give us that split second so that our officers who were here tonight were able to close that gap and take him into police custody,” the chief said.
“We can’t thank him enough for his help. He stepped up to the plate and helped us out when we needed it.”
Days later, police and community members gathered at Cocco’s Pizza Aston to honor Morrell.
“For all these people to come out tonight, I have friends here, my family, it’s awesome,” Tyler Morrell said.
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