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VIDEO: Customers help Canton officer during scuffle at Walmart

Posted at 1:54 PM, Sep 01, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-02 22:08:51-04

Customers at a Canton Walmart rushed to the side of a Canton police officer as he wrestled with a belligerent suspect on August 27.

A customer captured much of the incident on camera.

According to the police report, 40-year-old Vernon Harter created a disorderly environment in the store and began yelling profanities at customers.

Watch the video in the media player above

Patrolman Robert Huber, who was in the store, ordered Harter to leave the store. When Harter refused, the officer attempted to escort him out of the store, police said.

Investigators said Harter refused to cooperate when Huber tried to place him under arrest and the video shows them wrestling in the store.

Patrick Lykins, an Army veteran, was one of three men who jumped into action to assist the officer.

Lykins asked the officer if he needed help. When Huber said yes, Lykins went low to try to get the man under control.

"I was taking out his legs to try to get him on the ground to try to neutralize the situation," Lykins said.

As the struggle continued, Lykins grabbed the officer's handcuffs out of his belt.

The customers held down Harter until Huber was able to handcuff him.

"I feel that need to help, need to serve basically, and that's what I did," Lykins said.

Harter was charged with obstructing official business, criminal trespassing, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.

A judge found him guilty on misdemeanor charges this week.