'I've Got Your Back': Man Saves Cape Cod Cop From Stabbing

BARNSTABLE, MA — A Cape Cod restaurant worker saved a police officer from an attempted knife attack during a violent struggle in Hyannis Thursday, authorities said. The suspect, Christopher Robson, 49, of Hyannis, was arrested and charged with assault. The incident happened at the Duck Inn Pub at about 12:50 a.m.

Police said Officer James Melia was called to the bar after staff reported a man was starting fights. The man, identified as Mark Zwick, 44, of Yarmouth, was "extremely" intoxicated, police said. Melia tried to detain Zwick but the suspect fought him, police said. (Subscribe to free newsletters and breaking news alerts from Massachusetts Patch.)

"While Zwick was fighting with Officer Melia, a staff member from the Duck Inn Pub came to assist," Barnstable police said in a statement. "The staff member, identified as David Duncan, said to Officer Melia 'I’ve got your back.'"

At that point, police said Robson, armed with a knife, started moving toward Officer Melia "poised to strike."

"(Melia) was only 2-3 feet from the officer when Duncan physically disarmed him and then threw the knife away to a safe location," police said. "Moments later, several officers arrived on scene and placed both Zwick and the other male into custody. The actions of David Duncan likely prevented a serious assault on the unknowing officer. The Barnstable Police Department commends Mr. Duncan for his selfless, quick reaction in a very dangerous situation."

Robson was held in custody at Barnstable police headquarters pending an arraignment Thursday in Barnstable District Court.

Photo: Christopher Robson. (Credit: Barnstable Police Department)