Citizens First to Apprehend Capitol Intruder

WASHINGTON -- In U.S. Capitol Police's first confirmation of the events surrounding the arrest of Monday's Capitol intruder, Capitol Police acknowledge that citizens -- not police -- were first to apprehend the suspect.

In charging documents, Capitol Police Detective Nettie Watts initially wrote that after chasing Greene down a staircase, "United States Capitol Police stopped the defendant and arrested him."

However, employees from a flag shop were the first people to subdue Carlos A. Greene, who allegedly ran through the Capitol with a loaded handgun.

"Just a few moments after the citizens restrained him, Capitol Police made the arrest," says Sgt. Kimberly Schneider, a Capitol Hill police spokeswoman.

Capitol Police chased Greene through the building, after Greene crashed his SUV on the East Front.

Schneider says police are thanking the flag shop employees, but warn against future acts of citizen heroism.

"I just want to recognize the courageous assistance of the members of the flag office in apprehending the suspect. They were very valiant, and in at least one instance they were in a bit of a struggle with this guy," Schneider says.

Schneider also urges citizens not to take the law into their own hands.

"While we do appreciate their help a great deal, it's important that bystanders are strongly encouraged not to intervene in any unfolding security situation. A public citizen does not have the same law enforcement powers. They don't have the authority to arrest," Schneider says.

"The Hill" newspaper initially reported on the flag-shop worker's role in the apprehension on Wednesday.

The still-unidentified flag-shop worker restrained Greene, who was taken into custody by Capitol Police.

Greene is due in U.S. District Court for a preliminary hearing Friday.

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