When a crime happens, people often look to area law enforcement to cast blame—but police officers cannot stand on every corner and catch every criminal that is roaming the streets.

At times, it is up to citizens to stand up for what is right and help make the community they live in a better place.

Time and time again, the citizens of Decatur County have shown exactly what it takes, going the extra mile to help others.

On Monday night, a woman’s purse was stolen from her shopping cart at Wal-Mart while she was loading groceries into her car. A man in the parking lot heard the woman’s cry for help, got into his vehicle and followed the thief. He then cornered the man and told him to return the purse.

Although his attempt to stop the man was unsuccessful, he was able to alert police to the suspect’s whereabouts.

As police caught up with the driver and attempted to stop him, he showed complete disregard for the lives of others—speeding and passing vehicles at night without headlights.

Local citizens understood the danger of the situation and did their part by directing police to where the man had gone.

It’s easy to avoid becoming involved in a tough situation, but every time someone stands up for what is right, things just get a little bit better.