On Saturday, an act of extraordinary bravery unfolded on the streets of Houston as an ordinary citizen rushed to the aid of a police officer under attack. The officer was the target of a carjacking suspect who had opened fire, striking him in the leg.
John Lally, a Houston resident with previous run-ins with law enforcement, found himself in the unlikely hero role. Witnessing the shooting, Lally and another officer quickly sprang into action. ABC 13 reported that Lally, disregarding his safety, grabbed the injured officer by his duty vest and, along with his colleague, managed to pull him out of the line of fire.
But Lally’s assistance didn’t stop there. As they waited for paramedics to arrive, he stayed by the officer’s side, offering reassurances and moral support. “It’s only your leg, you hear me. Squeeze my hand as hard as you need to, alright? Don’t worry, I’m right here with you,” Lally was heard telling the wounded officer.
Hailing from Houston, Texas, Lally stands at the helm of a T-shirt enterprise named Real Deal Wreckers as the CEO and proprietor.
His past, however, isn’t as pristine as his successful business venture. Scattered throughout both Texas and Tennessee, Lally’s criminal records have left a mark on his history. The most recent of these occurred over a two-year span.
The accusations against him are varied, encompassing serious offences such as aggravated assault and property theft. They also extend to substance abuse and the possession of illegal weaponry.
The Houston Police Department, led by Chief Troy Finner, publicly acknowledged Lally’s courageous act. In his statement, Finner highlighted the significance of Lally’s past troubles with law enforcement, remarking, “(John Lally) may have had issues with the police in the past, but today, he, along with some other brave citizens and our officers, ensured the safety of one of our own. We must celebrate that.”
The carjacking suspect, after exchanging gunfire with the police, was significantly wounded and later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The incident underlines the unpredictability of life on the streets but also showcases the potential for unity and bravery in the face of danger.
