Justin Colburn is the kind of guy who would chase a thief on foot through backyards and over fences to get an old lady's purse back.
In fact, that's exactly what happened after an incident May 7 at the New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union at 1801 Lomas Blvd.
Colburn was at the bank cashing a check during his lunch break from Enterprise Rent-A-Car. As he pulled out of the parking lot, he saw a woman screaming and running after a man carrying a purse. Colburn chased the man in his silver Dodge Dakota until he got to Sigma Chi Road, where he stopped his pick-up truck and continued the pursuit on foot.
Colburn said they hurdled two fences and ran through three backyards.
"I think it was a church where I caught up with him," Colburn said. "I tackled him, detained him and put his hands behind his back. I had someone else in their yard call the police, and I held him until they got there."
After the purse was returned, Elizabeth Butts revealed she was carrying nearly $600 in it. She gave Colburn a $50 reward for coming to her aid.
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Colburn said he didn't really know why he of all people answered Butts' call for help.
"It's something that I think most people would do, but nobody did," he said. "I just acted on it without thinking about it. I don't really know why. If it was my mom or somebody's mom that I knew, I would want someone to do that for them."
Colburn graduated from UNM in May with a bachelor's degree in university studies and started four of his five seasons on the Lobo football team. At 6 feet 4 inches and 300 pounds, Colburn played every position on the offensive line during his career as a Lobo, but specialized in quick tackle.
"I bet you that guy was scared to death running from Justin," head football coach Rocky Long said. "Once Justin caught him, I'm sure the guy was outmanned and outmatched. I'm sure he was scared to death and hoping someone would come help him."
Now Colburn is in his fourth week working at the Sandoval County Detention Center and is pursuing a career in law enforcement. He said he hopes to become an officer for the Albuquerque Police Department and eventually a firefighter.
At SCDC, Colburn works with 30 inmates who are uncuffed at all times. He said at first he was a little intimidated.
"There's nothing holding them back from attacking me," he said. "At first they were calling me fresh meat. But they were just trying to mess with my head. They're not trying to mess with me anymore. They mess with each other more than the officers."
Colburn said he likes working in law enforcement because the work changes every day.
"That's where it's at for me," he said. "It's a pretty cool job. For a good majority of my career, I'd like to work in law enforcement."
