Branson Citizen Honored for Stopping Assault on Police Officer

Branson citizen Joseph Sapp was honored with the “You’ve Been Caught Doing Something Good” award on Tuesday night.

Sapp received this citizen recognition award during that night’s Branson Board of Aldermen meeting. Branson Mayor Larry Milton presented the award to Sapp’s mother; she received it in his place since her son was at boot camp.

“Joseph is receiving this award because of his integrity and courage when helping a Branson police officer in a dangerous situation. Mr. Sapp saw someone assaulting a police officer, striking the officer repeatedly with the officer laying on the ground,” Milton said.

The mayor explained that Sapp involved himself in the action despite the “great personal risk” and added that Sapp forced the individual “away from the officer.” He said Sapp’s action gave the officer the opportunity to regroup and arrest the suspect.

“He did the right thing even knowing there would be no personal consequences if he did not engage,” Milton said.