The California Highway Patrol says alert drivers helped them catch the man they believe ran over a motorcycle officer on Interstate 80 Thursday.
CHP Commander Andy Williams says the investigation shows Austin Scott intentionally backed over officer Michael Ericson after a traffic stop between Madison and Greenback.
"Citizens, who I will not identify, assisted in the investigation to identify the type of vehicle that was being driven and allowed us to go into pursuit and apprehend the individual after he stole a second vehicle," says Williams.
Scott is from Reno. He's charged with attempted murder and with then stealing a vehicle from the "Across The Top" construction project on I-80. He was arrested in Fairfield.
Commander Williams says passersby and off-duty police came to the officer's and helped him get to the hospital more quickly.
"Multiple citizens who have yet to be formerly identified, we're working on that now, who have just rendered aid. I know one of the fire engines was waved down and responded wasn't even on the call and got there and rendered aid," says Williams
Michael Ericson is a 17-year veteran of the CHP. The department is not releasing his condition.
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