Salisbury Police to honor Good Samaritan who saved officer during knife attack

SALISBURY, N.C. — (October 29, 2025) — The Salisbury Police Department is releasing additional details following Sunday night’s incident at the Cookout restaurant located on East Innes Street.

On October 26, 2025, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Salisbury Police officers responded to a disturbance call at the restaurant. Upon arrival, officers confronted the suspect, Jamie Lynne Hunt, DOB: (07/02/1981), not knowing he was armed. As officers attempted to arrest him, Hunt became combative, and during the struggle, he brandished a knife.

A bystander, witnessing the altercation, stepped in to assist the officers. During the struggle, the citizen and one of the officers received wounds from the knife. A second officer deployed a Taser, allowing officers to subdue and take Hunt into custody.

The officer, citizen, and suspect were transported to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center for treatment. The officer and citizen were treated and released. Hunt was released from the hospital yesterday, formally charged, and is currently being held at the Rowan County Detention Center on a $100,000.00 bond.

At the time of the October 26th incident, Hunt was on probation for assaulting a Columbus County deputy with a knife.

The name of the Good Samaritan is not being released at this time as he continues to recover from surgery for several torn tendons he sustained during the incident. The Salisbury Police Department plans to recognize his courageous actions once he has recovered.

“This was a volatile and dangerous situation that unfolded in seconds,” said Police Chief P.J. Smith. “Our officers displayed tremendous restraint while under attack, and a brave citizen stepped in to help them. His actions were heroic and likely prevented a tragedy. We’re thankful he’s on the road to recovery and look forward to honoring him.”