On September 13th, he was assigned to Chancery Court as part of his duties in the Court Services Division.  At approximately 9:15 am, he heard a loud noise and observed Officer Terry Branson chasing a subject that had run from Criminal Court, Division II. The subject had one arm still in handcuffs, and was attempting to strike Officer Branson with his fists and the handcuffs.  After a struggle with subject, Officer Karnes was able to force him face down on the ground and into compliance, taking him into custody without further incident. 

As his supervisor, Ray Vineyard, said in his nomination letter, “Without doubt, Officer Karnes alertness and lack of hesitation to respond kept this incident from being much more serious.  We are quite proud of Officer Karnes.”