Wash. Man, 82, Tackles Burglary Suspect

Longview, WA — An 82-year-old Washington man is doing OK after tackling and helping police catch a burglary suspect Friday.

Terry Miracle was weeding his garden when he witnessed police chasing the felon. Officers were chasing the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Morgan Perry Bluehorse, through yards and over fences, according to USA Today. Miracle heard the chase and, remembering his high school football training, got into position and waited as the suspect started running toward his house.

“He was looking back over his shoulder to see where they were, and he turned around the corner of the house and he was coming at me just like the runners used to do when I played football,” Miracle said.

Miracle said he ran toward the suspect and launched a “cross-body block.”

“I kicked out my knee, as I always did with a cross-body block, and caught his knee with my knee,” Miracle said. “He went down and so did I.”

Bluehorse didn’t stay down for longer. He got back up and started running again, but Miracle’s maneuver helped police catch up. Bluehorse was booked on a number of charges: second-degree burglary, third-degree theft, trespassing, resisting arrest, obstructing a police officer, malicious mischief and methamphetamine possession.

According to Sgt. Mike Hallowell, Bluehorse also had a no-bail Department of Corrections warrant. He also joked that “it took a Miracle” to catch Bluehorse.

Hallowell said the entire neighborhood helped point police toward Bluehorse.

“The citizens were the ones helping us, pointing where he was last running,” he said. “They showed us where he was popping out and jumping fences.”

[Photo credit: Cowlitz Community Farmers Market]