Blind Man Down by usglen

The call “Blind Man Down” came over my radio just a few seconds ago. I asked the dispatcher if the paramedics were responding also. The dispatcher answered, “That is affirmative.” A few seconds later, I arrived at the scene near the corner of E.4th and Walnut Streets. The paramedics were already on the scene.
As I got out of my patrol unit a Hispanic man came over to me. He motioned for me to follow him. I did and he took me to where some of the people had the attacker all tied up with rope.
I asked, “Is this the assailant?”
Another man responded, “I was walking up the street when I saw this black man jump on the blind man who was walking along the street with his dog. My friend took care of the guide dog and it is safe over there.”
After that they untied the man and I cuffed him. But before I did that I asked for the man’s ID card. He didn’t have any. So I cuffed him and took him to my patrol unit. I thought to myself that we would have to take six sets of fingerprints to help identify the man. I also radioed for another unit to transport the man to City Jail. He will be arraigned on charges of Assault and Battery, not possessing a valid ID, and other charges such as failure to appear (3 counts), unlawful substances possession.
Five minutes later, another unit appeared. I gave the other officer my report. I mentioned to him that he would have to have his fingerprints sent to the six places on the report because he has no valid ID. I also mentioned to the other officer that he is to be held without bail. The other officer put the man into his unit and took him to City Jail.
Meanwhile I talked with the victim. It appeared that he would not have to be taken to the hospital. He and his dog were re-united. The man also accepted my offer of a ride for him and his dog to their home. I got them both safely to their home several blocks down the road.
--------
The assailant was later identified as Tony Martin. He was identified as a male black, 50 years of age and on parole from State Prison. He will be returned to prison for a long time on both the current charges and for a parole violation. The blind man later moved with the help of his social worker to another area where it was safe. The dog and its owner lived a long time in their new home. I stayed with the Department for another ten years and retired with full benefits.