Officer

Department of Justice

9/25/2012

Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor

Officer Michael DeWitt of the San Diego Police Gang Suppression Team/S.W.A.T., was driving to work when he observed officers under fire while investigating a child sexual abuse call. At the scene, he learned two deputies had been struck by gunfire emanating from a second floor apartment and were seriously injured. As more gunfire erupted, Officer DeWitt donned his S.W.A.T. gear and assembled a team of deputies, administer tactical assignments to those present. Maneuvering through a hail of gunfire, DeWitt lead the team up the stairway. There they rescued the wounded Detective Perez, and carried him to safety. Witnessing a woman and her two small children bolting from the apartment complex in sheer panic and determining they were in the suspect’s line of fire, Officer DeWitt abandoned his position of safety to chase after the woman. Picking up her four-year-old child, he instructed that she carry her infant, Officer DeWitt led her across the street to safety. Officer DeWitt then ran back to the complex to assist with the rescue of the seconded wounded police officer, Sergeant Johnson, and apprehend the suspect Detective Perez and Sergeant Johnson were rushed to surgery and are recovering from their injuries.