[kellyhound]

Metro Nashville Police Officer Rodion Peters answered multiple emergency calls regarding an erratic man lying in the roadway and hitting passing vehicles at a local service station.

As Officer Peters attempted to engage and detain the aggressive individual, the suspect resisted violently.

The suspect suddenly lunged and punched Officer Peters directly in the face and head, sending both the officer and the attacker tumbling onto the pavement.

As the physical struggle continued in the middle of traffic, most drivers and pedestrians watched or recorded video but one bystander decided he would not stand by idly and ran directly into the roadway toward the brawl.

He used his own weight to pin the suspect securely to the ground, holding the violent aggressor down alongside the struggling officer.

Thanks to the quick-thinking civilian, Officer Peters avoided major injuries during the fight.

Authorities booked the suspect on multiple charges, including assault on a police officer and disorderly conduct.