Hampton Man Honored For Helping Police With Arrest

HAMPTON, NH—The Hampton Police Department presented the Civilian's Award to a former corrections officer who helped a police officer with an arrest in July.

Police say Michael Hayden helped a Hampton Police officer who tried to break up a fight on Ocean Boulevard between two people on July 16.

Hayden is a member of the New Hampshire State Park Patrol.

As the officer was trying to take a man into custody for throwing punches, the man began struggling with the officer and ripped his radio from the holster. Police say the man was much bigger than the officer. Hayden rushed to help get the man under control, allowing the officer to get his radio and call for assistance.

Police say the suspect bit Hayden while he was helping the officer, but Hayden kept holding on to him.

Chief David Hobbs said Hayden's actions were "above and beyond."

“Our officers routinely face situations that place their safety in harm’s way," Hobbs said. "We are thankful that there are people like Mr. Hayden, who stepped and prevented further injury to others. We owe a great deal of gratitude to Mr. Hayden for his service to the community and to our agency on that evening.”

The Hampton Police Department's Civilian Award is designated for civilians who either help a department employee in an emergency, or give "outstanding assistance to the department as a whole"