BMPD awards Medal of Valor for heroic actions

Chief Steve Parker recognizes civilians for assisting in apprehension of bank robbery suspect

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
August 17, 2023

John Carr, center, and Joseph Onks, center right, each received a Medal of Valor from Black Mountain Police Chief Steve Parker (right), Major Chris Kuhn (second from left) and Officer Steven McPeters, Aug. 14, for their actions during an attempted car jacking in June. Betty Jean Young was awarded a commendation for courage from the department for fighting off the subject who entered her vehicle. Photo courtesy of BMPD

Four civilians who assisted in subduing a suspected bank robber in June, as he was fleeing law enforcement officials, were recognized by the Black Mountain Police Department, Aug. 14, during the regular monthly meeting of the town council.

Black Mountain Police Chief Steve Parker presented Medals of Valor to Joseph Onks, and John Carr, while Betty Jean Young received a commendation for courage, following a high speed chase that began in Black Mountain and ended in Asheville. Trevor Hough, who was unable to attend the meeting, will receive a Medal of Valor at a later date, according to the chief.

Black Mountain police officers were alerted to the presence of a subject wanted on multiple charges, including armed robbery, attempted armed robbery and second degree kidnapping, around 1 p.m., June 1, according to Parker.

“Officer (Steven) McPeters quickly located the vehicle and attempted to pull the suspect over,” the chief said. “The suspect, who was wanted on at least five bank robberies and possibly 10 convenience store robberies which are still being investigated, began to flee at high speeds.”

Local law enforcement officials pursued the subject, traveling west on I-40, in what Parker described as a “dangerous, high-speed pursuit.”

“As he got to I-26, the suspect went the wrong way on I-26, which is under construction,” he said. “Officer McPeters felt he should no longer pursue the suspect because he was worried about the motoring public. At that time, he disengaged.”

Minutes later, BMPD officers learned the subject was involved in a collision on the interstate, Parker continued.

“He was actively car jacking Ms. Young, who is an amazing person,” he said.

Young was injured in the altercation, but fought off the subject. Hough witnessed the encounter and left his vehicle to assist the motorist.

“He immediately started pulling the suspect off of Ms. Young,” Parker said. “He is a true hero.”

During the altercation, Onks and Carr assisted Hough in subduing the subject.

“There is no question in my mind the suspect was willing to die to get away,” Parker said. “He had been in one other high-speed pursuit in another jurisdiction, and he was willing to kill in an armed robbery to get what he wanted.”

The chief presented a plaque to Young, who earned a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement 50 years ago, she said.

“I used to administer polygraph exams in the State of Texas before going into private community work,” Young said, following a standing ovation. “He reached into my window when I went to get my phone, unlocked my car and jumped in. I told him to get out of my car.”

Young recalled a podcast episode she listened to years ago, she said.

“If anyone ever gets in your car, fight like hell because you may not make it out alive,” she said. “I say this to all ladies: use whatever weapons you have at hand. My elbows and my rings served me well.”

As Parker presented to the Medal of Valor to Carr and Onks, he commented on the uncommon commendation.

“I’ve never seen one of these given, and it’s a rare thing,” he said. “It’s an award for citizens who exhibit exceptional courage, regardless of their personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect others from harm. I think this is, by definition, amazing.”

Onks, Carr and Hough are all military veterans.

“I’m very thankful they were all there that day,” Parker said. “I think things would’ve turned out much differently if they weren’t.”