Good Samaritans Honored By Police For Stopping Assault In East Austin

AUSTIN, TX — The Austin Police Department honored two Good Samaritans this week who officer credit with stopping a rape attempt last month.

Alex Cantú and Israel Vallado each were awarded with a Civilian Distinguished Service Citation for coming to the aid of a woman they heard screaming for help on Jan. 9 along the 1100 block of Airport Boulevard.

Javier Cervantes, 35, was later identified by police as the assailant. By the time police arrived, they found Cantú and Vallado holding the suspect down on the ground while waiting for officers to arrive.

“Had the witnesses not intervened, the suspect could have caused serious bodily injury, or worse, to the victim," police said in a prepared statement.

Cantú is a store manager at the National Pawn and Jewelry on Airport Boulevard, in near proximity to the site where the attack took place.

"They displayed uncommon courage and good judgment in the face of an extremely dangerous situation,” police said in commending the men.

"Thanks Alex Cantu & Israel Vallado, two heroes in our community coming to the aid of a stranger," Police Chief Brian Manley later tweeted.

Cervantes has since been charged with aggravated kidnapping.

Editor's note: Alex Cantú is not related to writer Tony Cantú