Chaplain Saves Durham Police Officer’s Life in Intense Fight with Suspect

A brave chaplain, Chaplain Scott Wilkos, became a hero when he accompanied Durham Police Officer J.T. Rose on a routine ride-along, only to find himself in a life-threatening situation. Exclusive body and dash camera footage obtained by WRAL Investigates captures the intense fight between Officer Rose and a suspect, showcasing the events leading up to and following the altercation.

A High-Speed Chase Leads to a Dramatic Encounter

In the early hours of October 20, while patrolling U.S. Highway 15-501, Chaplain Scott Wilkos and Officer J.T. Rose noticed a vehicle speeding at an estimated 100 mph or more. Shortly after their sighting, the vehicle crashed, setting off a chain of events that would put their lives at risk.

Officer Rose’s Command Falls on Deaf Ears

The gripping video footage reveals Officer Rose and Chaplain Wilkos swiftly exiting their vehicle and approaching the suspect. Without hesitation, Officer Rose commands, “Get on the ground! Get on the ground! Do it now. Get on the ground. Get on the ground. Face down, get on the ground.”

The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Demario Holman, refuses to comply. The body camera footage depicts the struggle between Officer Rose and Holman in the tall grass, followed by Holman attempting to flee while Rose pursues him.

Chaplain Wilkos to the Rescue

In the midst of the chaos, Chaplain Wilkos rushes to Officer Rose’s aid, grappling with the suspect from behind. While restraining Holman, Wilkos urges him to cooperate, saying, “The quicker you put your hands behind your back, the quicker we get off of you.”

Assistance Arrives, Injuries Revealed

As additional officers arrive at the scene near the intersection of 15-501 and Cornwallis Road, both Officer Rose and Chaplain Wilkos recount the harrowing encounter. Another officer approaches, expressing concern for Rose’s well-being. Rose, clearly in pain, mentions his severe knee injury, while Wilkos reveals a bleeding left hand, which he attributes to being bitten by Holman. It is worth noting that Holman sustained a gash on his elbow due to the impact of the car crash, as he was not wearing a seatbelt.

Chaplain Wilkos: A Unique Background

Contrary to what one might expect, Chaplain Wilkos is no ordinary chaplain. His social media posts reveal that he possesses extensive training in jiu jitsu, which undoubtedly played a significant role in saving Officer Rose’s life.

Emergency chaplains, such as Wilkos, are not official employees of the Durham Police Department (DPD) but rather work alongside first responders to provide support to individuals in crisis.

Interviews Shed Light on the Intensity of the Struggle

While awaiting medical treatment at the hospital, Officer Rose and Chaplain Wilkos are interviewed by another officer regarding the events that unfolded. Wilkos describes Holman’s strength, stating, “He managed to push us off… He came around on Rose and was going across his head.”

The interviewing officer probes further, asking, “Trying to choke?” to which Wilkos responds affirmatively. Wilkos goes on to explain how he swiftly intervened, preventing Rose from losing consciousness, as Holman had one arm around Rose’s neck and was reaching for his gun.

A Birthday Celebration Turned Heroic Act

In a surprising revelation during the interview, Wilkos discloses that the ride-along was a voluntary choice he made to mark a special occasion – his birthday. Wilkos chose to spend his day accompanying Officer Rose, with whom he has shared eight and a half years of camaraderie.

Meanwhile, officers searching Holman’s car discover two bags of marijuana, white powder, and an assault rifle. As one officer dismantles the weapon, he notes that there was a bullet in the chamber, raising concerns about Holman’s potential intentions.

Holman’s Troubled Past and Serious Charges

Adding more context to the incident, it is revealed that Holman has a history of criminal offenses, primarily related to drug charges, dating back to 2005. As a result of this particular incident, Holman faces multiple charges, including assault on a law enforcement officer, assault by strangulation, and assault inflicting serious injury.

Gratitude and Reflection

Officer Rose expresses his deep appreciation to Chaplain Wilkos at the scene, thanking him profusely as the two embrace. In a lighthearted exchange, Rose jokes, “I gotta stop letting you ride with me.” Wilkos responds with a heartfelt statement, saying, “Hey, you know what? What better way to celebrate my 52nd birthday.”

By displaying unwavering courage and utilizing his jiu jitsu training, Chaplain Scott Wilkos played a pivotal role in saving Officer J.T. Rose’s life during the intense confrontation. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily, as well as the invaluable support provided by emergency chaplains like Wilkos.