Unarmed DuPage Sheriff's Intern Helped Arrest Armed Man

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — A DuPage County Sheriff's Office intern was recently honored for jumping to action to help with a warrant arrest. Frank Ficarra, 22, recognized a West Chicago man who was wanted on a warrant and then got involved, despite being unarmed, when the suspect began to resist arrest.

Police say Ficarra, who studies criminal justice at Illinois State University was riding with Corporal Eduardo Castillo on Sept. 9 when the incident took place. '

Ficarra spotted the suspect's silver Honda in a parking lot, which led Castillo to approach the car and confirm that the man inside was wanted on a previous warrant. During the arrest, Ficarra's involvement apparently helped to ease the suspect's resistance.

Ficarra was not armed and was wearing a Kevlar vest during the struggle.

According to a press release, Ficarra noticed that a knife and illegal drugs had fallen from the man's pocket. This ultimately led to the discovery of more illicit materials inside of the vehicle.

"What he did was perfect. Not a lot of people would have done it," Castillo said in a news release commending Ficarra's bravery.

DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick also praised Ficarra's response, saying one look at Ficarra, who stands 6'5" tall made the suspect think twice about what might have been a dangerous encounter.

As for the response from Ficarra after being commended for his heroic actions, he said, "I wasn't expecting anything like this."