‘An act of kindness can change the world’: Grand Island man honored for helping make arrest

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KLKN) — A heroic act was awarded in Grand Island on Friday to a man named Lito Quinones.

According to Grand Island Police, Quinones helped a sergeant in a dangerous situation on Wednesday.

Quinones said he was at a Casey’s gas station when he saw a man acting suspiciously and dialed 911.

Sgt. Mike Nelson then arrived on scene alone, and minutes later, after confronting the man, Nelson tried to place him in handcuffs.

But it wasn’t easy, so in stepped Quinones.

“About that time, Lito walked by and asked for his assistance, so I said sure,” Nelson said.

The 41-year-old said he wouldn’t think twice about helping again.

“I was just helping the police officer,” Quinones said. “They put their lives on the line every day for us. Why not do it for him? I think an act of kindness can change the world.”

When Quinones walked off after assisting Nelson, Grand Island Police spent a day tracking him down to thank him for his courage.

On Friday, they did just that.

Grand Island honored Quinones with a Citizen Appreciation Award for his brave act.

“It really means a lot,” Police Chief Kevin Denney said. “We’re glad Lito could be here for our officers.”

Quinones spent 12 years in Special Forces, so he said he was more than ready for the moment.

“Always offer the helping hand, that’s what the military teaches you,” he said. “It shows you to assess the situation and try to help the best you can.”