Cop Who Stopped Wrong-Way Driver: I'm No Hero

Irving officer hit wrong-way driver to stop vehicle

An Irving police officer who rammed his cruiser into a wrong-way driver earlier this week says he's no hero.

Officer Matthew Snell, a former Army medic, said he was prepared to take the risk of ending the chase.

Snell, who has been with the Irving Police Department for two years, said any officer in his position would have done the same.

"I don't think I'm a hero, you know," he said. "I believe any other officer at this department would have done the same thing. I think I was just at the right place at the right time."

Irving police said officers tried to get the wrong-way driver's attention early Monday morning with everything from sirens and flashlights. Police also used spikes to slow the car down.

But the driver, identified as Alan Douglas Brock, of Grapevine, kept going, police said.

Snell saw a window of opportunity to end the chase when the spikes slowed the car down to 20 mph.

Brock and Snell both have minor injuries from the collision.

Snell said a small scars on his arm and forehead will always be a reminder of the chase.

"Yeah, I'll have a scar to tell my kids about, and they'll think it's pretty cool -- their dad will be no joke," he said with a laugh.

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