Teen hailed as hero after saving Target co-workers stabbed by robber

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Thanks to a Georgia teen's quick thinking and training with Cobb County police, he was able to save his two Target co-workers who were stabbed by an alleged robber Sunday night, authorities said.

Mario Alexander, 17, acted quickly until officers could arrive to the Cobb Parkway store, Cobb County police Sgt. Wayne Delk said.

When Alexander saw one of his his co-workers bleeding profusely from a stab wound in his arm, he used his Target shirt and materials in the store to create a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.

Alexander then applied gauze and direct pressure to another co-worker’s neck wound.

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“He continued to check on both of his fellow employees until medical personnel and police officers arrived on scene to take over,” Delk said.

Authorities later arrested Michael Leon Thornton, 27, on charges of two counts aggravated assault and one count of armed robbery.

Alexander credited his training with the Cobb County Police Explorer Program, which trains high school students on general police work that includes rendering first aid.

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“The Cobb County Police Department and our partners at Marietta Police Department thank Corporal Alexander for his quick thinking and would like to recognize him for putting to use the knowledge he has gained from the Cobb County Police Explorer program,” Delk said. “His actions more than exemplify our commitment and dedication to public safety.”

Cox Media Group