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Kevin Paletta, Chief of Police
Lakewood Police Department
July 28, 2008
445 South Allison Parkway
Lakewood, Colorado 80226-3106
303/987-7100 Voice
303/987-7111 TDD
303/987-7296 Fax
John J. Skidmore
6739 West Yale Avenue
Lakewood, CO 80227
Dear Mr. Skidmore:
As you walked your dog the morning of April 4, 2008, you saw one of your neighbors back her vehicle out of the garage and return to her residence leaving the vehicle running. You then saw the driver of a black, Chevy Trailblazer stop in front of her residence, exit the vehicle, and get into your neighbor's unattended car. The owner came back outside verbally confronting the auto thief. The man indicated to her that he was the police and pointed a red spray can at her. She pleaded with him not to take her car, while at the same time her husband came out from the residence and attempted to pull the man from the driver's seat of the vehicle. The suspect disabled her husband by spraying him in the face with what was later identified as pepper spray.
You moved to help the couple by approaching along the driver's side of the vehicle and struck the suspect with your fist, as he continued to spray the pepper spray attempting to incapacitate you. You were able to fully remove him from the vehicle, kick the pepper spray from his hand, and hold him on the ground until agents arrived to take him into custody.
It was later learned that the thief had an extensive criminal history and had only minutes before attempted to steal another vehicle from an elderly neighbor. Additionally, the Trailblazer he drove to the scene had been reported stolen in Lakewood the day before.
Mr. Skidmore, without your selfless actions, your neighbor's vehicle would have certainly been stolen, and a dangerous suspect might have continued to victimize others. Therefore, it is my distinct pleasure to award you with the Citizen Citation for Meritorious Service for acts by a private citizen involving uncommon risk while assisting members of the Lakewood Police Department. Thank you for your much needed support and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Kevin Paletta
Chief of Police
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