Lee’s note: Bradenton (Florida) Police Lieutenant William Weldon had the fight of his life early Sunday morning, when he responded to a burglary alarm at a jewelry store.

Lt. Weldon caught a burglar in the act — inside the store. The 23-year-old suspect complied at first, but then violently attacked the lieutenant — gouging at his eyes and going for his gun,

At some point during the fight, which lasted more than a minute, Lt. Weldon managed to hit the burglar in the face with his handgun, which knocked him out instantly.

I’m sure someone will be asking the lieutenant why he didn’t wait for backup, but the point is he’s alive to answer the question.

In my humble opinion, the 15-year veteran showed great restraint.

Here’s the press release:

On April 2, 2017, at approximately 3:57 AM, Bradenton Police responded to the 2400 block of 9 th St W for a report of a residential burglary alarm. The alarm company incorrectly reported the location was a residence, the owner was on scene, and they wanted to speak to police. Lieutenant William Weldon, a 15 year veteran of BPD, arrived on scene and discovered the location to be a closed jewelry store. As Lt. Weldon approached the business he noticed the front glass door shattered and a masked subject inside. Lt. Weldon confronted the individual at gun point. When the suspect initially complied, he holstered his weapon, and attempted to take the suspect into custody. As he attempted to gain control, the suspect began to violently resist. During the struggle, the suspect used his hands to gouge at Lt. Weldon’s eyes and made several attempts to grab his firearm. The confrontation lasted over a minute and a half. Lt. Weldon was able to break free and draw his weapon ordering the suspect to the ground. The suspect refused to comply and continued towards Lt. Weldon. Lt. Weldon subsequently hit the suspect with his weapon rendering him incapacitated. Back up officers arrived and secured the suspect. Lt. Weldon was transported to the hospital and treated for facial and eye injuries. He is currently at home recuperating. The suspect was also transported to the hospital for treatment for minor lacerations. The suspect is identified as Isaac Hernandez Dubon, 23 years old of Bradenton, FL. He is currently being held on $12,000 bond. Subsequent charges are pending.

Anyone having information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932- 9300, or Detective Fredy Ordonez at 941-932- 9327. You may also email your information to CRIMETIPS@CITYOFBRADENTON.COM