The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office is thanking a local television news anchor today for assisting in the arrest of an armed burglary suspect.
"Thank you both for a job well done," was the message posted to the JSO's Facebook page to both JSO Officer Mike Blanton and First Coast News anchor Phil Amato.
In a newscast this morning, Amato explained that he was driving home from breakfast in his pick-up truck earlier this week when he spotted the suspect fleeing from the officer on foot.
"The suspect ran out from between two houses and I just happened to be right there," Amato said.
The suspect jumped in the back of Amato's pick-up truck, giving Officer Blanton enough time to catch up and make the arrest.
"He might have thought I was a getaway vehicle or something," Amato said.
The JSO posted photos of the arrest and Amato and Blanton shaking hands and giving a thumbs-up with Amato's truck visible in the background.
Initial reaction to the Facebook status has been mostly in praise of Amato. As of 4:15 p.m. on Friday 220 people had "liked" the post.
