UCF WR Tristan Payton tackled, helped apprehend alleged campus peeping Tom
UCF Knights wide receiver Tristan Payton was able to apply his considerable football skills to real-life use when he tackled and help apprehend a suspect accused of filming a cheerleader in the women's bathroom at the university's CFE Arena on Wednesday night.
According to Central Florida Future, several cheerleading campers accused UCF student Jonathan Hui of using a cell phone to record a camper using the restroom. The campers told their coach about the incident, and the coach then confronted Hui, who fled the scene.
Payton saw coach Joseph Morton chasing the suspect and joined in the pursuit. Payton ultimately tackled Hui outside of a Starbucks and held the suspect until the authorities arrived on the scene, Knightnews.com reports.
Very proud of UCF WR Tristan Payton & Joseph Morton who were recognized for helping UCF PD apprehend a suspect! pic.twitter.com/ytocXh0H6u
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) July 21, 2016
The wide receiver also took away Hui's phone before he could delete the incriminating video on his phone.
"Without them getting involved, we would not have the key evidence that we needed," UCF police chief Richard Beary said in commemoration.
Beary also suggested Payton join the UCF police department after he graduates: "A person that cares about their community and is willing to take action — we want them on our team, too."
HUGE thanks to @tristanpayton6 and Joseph Morton for helping us catch a suspect in a video voyeurism case on campus. pic.twitter.com/e5OaqwNR4C
— UCF Police Dept. (@UCFPolice) July 21, 2016
.@UCFPolice Chief Beary recognized Tristan Payton & his actions to help apprehend a suspect: https://t.co/agoeCrK6Wihttps://t.co/mtQFS4JwIo
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) July 21, 2016
Six-foot, 185-pound sophomore Payton finished second on the team with 21 receptions and 264 yards last season.
UCF international and global studies major Hui, 21, was charged with two counts related to possession of obscene material, one count of burglary of an occupied structure, one count of lewd and lascivious behavior and four counts of sex offense (video voyeurism), Central Florida Future reports.