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Brave Medic Tackles Knifeman, Saves Two Women
30 Apr
Summary
- Ambulance worker Luke Rapela confronted a knifeman threatening two women.
- He chased the armed man into the house and calmed him until police arrived.
- Rapela received a chief executive's commendation for his bravery on January 3.
An exceptionally brave London Ambulance Service (LAS) worker, Luke Rapela, has been commended for his courage in confronting a knifeman in south-west London. Rapela, who was driving his ambulance in Battersea, stopped when a distressed woman ran into the road screaming. He was then threatened by a man armed with a 20-inch knife.
Despite the grave danger, Rapela, a father of two with a background in security, chased the man into a house to protect a second woman who was also under threat. He managed to calm the attacker until police arrived and arrested him.
Rapela's heroic actions on January 3, 2026, earned him a chief executive's commendation. LAS chief executive Jason Killens praised Rapela's bravery and presence of mind, stating that while staff are not expected to face such risks, the service is incredibly proud of his commitment and courage.
