Miami man receives hero award from police after saving woman from attacker
A 25-year-old man, who rescued a woman being violently assaulted in May, was recognized by Miami police with a hero award, according to authorities.
The good samaritan, Cassius Bythewood, accepted the award from the City of Miami Police Department on Wednesday at a ceremony recognizing his bravery and commitment to community service.
Bythewood helped save Caitlin Dydzuhn, who was walking her dog on the sidewalk, when an attacker began beating her and stabbing her in the face with a "homemade shank," according to a Miami Police Department arrest affidavit.
Hearing Dydzuhn screaming, Bythewood ran to the site of the incident, pushing and kicking the attacker off of Dydzuhn, allowing her to flee the area, the affidavit said.
"I'm just grateful," Bythewood told ABC News' Miami affiliate WSVN at the ceremony. "I'm really grateful to be in the room with so many officers that are striving to make a difference in the community, and them honoring me meant a lot."
Bythewood told ABC Miami he was prepared for the moment because he has done martial arts his whole life, and because his parents always taught him not to panic in high-pressure situations.
Bythewood's mother was present at the ceremony, which she described to WSVN as "surreal."
"I think Cassius deserves the world," Dydzuhn told ABC Miami. "The courage that it takes to put your life out there for a stranger and intervene in a violent attack -- it's tremendous."
Dydzuhn suffered a broken eye and had to receive stitches on her nose following the attack, according to the affidavit.
Dydzuhn was blinded in the attack and has since regained her vision almost fully despite being told she would never see again, she said.
Bythewood said he suffered a fractured pinky finger and sprained knee from the encounter.
Raydean Johnson, 49, was arrested at the site of the incident on charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault, among others, according to the affidavit.
