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While out shopping with his wife last Friday, off-duty Great Bend, Kansas, police officer Paul Millard jumped into action when he heard gunshots outside a Wichita shopping center. Moments after witnessing a fight break out among a group of teens, Millard spotted one of them with a firearm. He identified himself as a police officer, drew his weapon, and ordered the suspect to drop the gun, stopping the chaos before it could get worse.
Thanks to his quick thinking and calm under pressure, the suspect was detained and no bystanders were harmed. Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan is calling his actions “incredibly brave,” noting that Millard likely prevented a much more serious tragedy. Three teens were arrested, and two others were treated for injuries, but authorities agree things could have ended far worse.
\Millard, who also serves as a school resource officer, says stepping in was never a question, it’s just who he is. “I tend to help people out if they need help,” he shares. His selfless response is being praised across the community.