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Men Who Came to Aid of Police in Violent Struggle Outside Walgreens Honored

 Christopher Zet Smith, left, Ray Robinson, Officer Mark Czpala and Officer Joe Groh shake hands after being recognized by CPD following Andersonville shooting at a Walgreen's last month.
Christopher Zet Smith, left, Ray Robinson, Officer Mark Czpala and Officer Joe Groh shake hands after being recognized by CPD following Andersonville shooting at a Walgreen's last month.
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DNAinfo/Mauricio Pena

DOUGLAS — Two men were honored Thursday for helping police during a "life-and-death struggle" outside a Walgreens in Andersonville.

In a ceremony at Chicago Police Headquarters, Ray Robinson, 48, and Christopher "Zet" Smith, 59, received Civilian Certificates of Honor.

Robinson and Smith assisted Officers Mark Czpala and Joe Groh while they were attempting to arrest Thomas Thompson, 33, of Rogers Park, on charges he shoplifted from a Walgreens.

"The actions of these civilians is just exceptional," said police Supt. Garry McCarthy. "It was a life-and-death struggle and they intervened and assisted the officers in what could have easily been a tragic situation."

"It took a lot of courage," McCarthy added. "It's not a run of the mill situation."

At about 8 p.m. Feb. 14, officers witnessed a theft taking place at a Walgreens on the 5400 block of North Clark Street and attempted to place Thompson in custody, officials said.

A struggle ensued, and Thompson allegedly punched an officer, grabbed one of their guns and fired a shot at the officers, police said.

Robinson, a shift manager at Walgreens, and Smith rushed into the middle of the bloody fight between the officers and Thompson, police said.

Robinson reached for the handgun itself and gave the dazed officers a critical window to disarm their attacker and bring him into custody, according to the department.

Thompson has since been charged with disarming a police officer and attempted murder.

"These brave [officers] needed help. I'm glad to have been able to help," Robinson said.

Smith, of Andersonville, described the scene as "desperate" and decided to get involved after seeing Robinson get involved.

"My wife was in the car calling 911, and I picked up [Thompson's legs] to take away his strength," Smith said.

Both officers expressed gratitude for Robinson and Smiths' actions.

"Both of these gentlemen showed all heart," Czpala said. "They are the epitome of community and when the community works together, things work very well."

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