A Bellevue Police detective was commended by the Washington State Patrol for his efforts in assisting a fellow lawman in an April incident.

On April 16, Detective Rich Newell of the Bellevue Police Department came upon Washington State Patrol Trooper Brad Olsen in an life-threatening altercation with a suspect on Interstate 90 around mile post 34. The suspect repeatedly tried to grab Olsen’s firearm and multiple Taser deployments.

Several citizens witnessed the fight and had provided assistance to Olsen already when Newell arrived to help get the suspect in custody and control the scene, including a passenger in the suspect’s vehicle who was screaming during the altercation.

Albert Williams, Daniel Kettner, Nathan Fleming and James Hoole (a retired San Diego police officer) assisted Olsen in subduing the suspect.

All of them were given certificates of commendation by Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste and Washington State Patrol District 2 Captain Ron Mead for their efforts in saving a trooper in trouble.

“Detective Newell remained in control of gathering witness information until backup units arrived,” the state patrol said in a release. “The WSP is truly grateful for the caring and willingness of these individuals to come to the rescue of a trooper in need.”