Florida Sheriff's Deputy Becomes 2008 AMW All-Star Finalist

Cited For Heroic Actions When Routine Trip to a Mall Became a Life-or-Death Situation

A Pinellas County, Florida Sheriff's Deputy whose day-off trip to a shopping mall turned into a life-or-death confrontation with armed carjacking suspect has become the second weekly finalist in the 2008 America's Most Wanted All-Star Contest, sponsored by Sprint.

In February, 2007, Deputy Scott Reid was at the mall with his family when he observed a man acting suspiciously. He called 911, but as he waited for a patrol car to arrive, Deputy Reid saw the suspect put on a mask, pull out a gun and enter a vehicle occupied by two people. The deputy knew he had to act, and he moved in on the vehicle. The armed suspect fled with the victims' cash and jewelry, and as Deputy Reid chased him, police say the suspect turned his gun on the officer. The deputy fired two shots, hitting the suspect and putting an end to the threat. His brave actions that day have already earned Deputy Reid several awards, including FOP Deputy of the Year.

Several grateful residents nominated Deputy Scott Reid for the AMW All-Star award, and he becomes the second of eight weekly finalists to be chosen by the public in the AMW All-Star Contest. Any first responder, such as police, firefighter or EMT, is eligible for the contest, and any member of the public can nominate and vote for their favorite first responder online at AMW.com. The nomination process is simple; all people have to do is fill out a short online form naming their favorite first responder and explaining what makes them an All-Star.

Each weekly finalist will be profiled on America's Most Wanted (Saturdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT, 8 p.m. CT on FOX). Then, through its online votes, the public will choose the grand prize winner. AMW Host John Walsh will present the 2008 AMW All-Star winner with a check for $10,000 at the NASCAR SPRINT Cup Series™ All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Nominations are open at AMW.com until April 1, 2008. Members of the public will be allowed to vote for their favorite All-Stars once a day, every day. Finalist voting runs until April 13 at midnight, and the Grand Prize winner voting will run from April 17 to May 6.