BREMERTON – Bremerton police arrested a Belfair man for second degree assault after he allegedly pulled a knife on another man March 10 outside the United Way Building on 4th Street and Pacific Avenue shortly before 6 p.m.

Witnesses said the Zacharie Smith, 22, brandished knife at another man, but the victim threw Smith to the ground, knocking the knife away.

“I saw him pull the knife,” said Jennifer Luther, referring to the suspect.

Jay Kent, an off-duty Kitsap County Sheriff, was on his way to the nearby SEEfilm Cinema when he saw the suspect being held down on the sidewalk by the victim. Kent put his knee against the suspect’s back and held him face-down until police arrived shortly after.

“He was already down, I just made sure he didn’t get up ‘cause everybody said he tried to stab the other guy,” Kent said.

At least a dozen police and emergency services members arrived on the scene. The victim was unharmed.

Smith was bloodied during the scuffle. He was checked by medics at the scene but refused transfer to a hospital, police said.

Smith had two outstanding misdemeanor warrants from Bremerton Municipal Court for obstruction and failure to appear, according to Bremerton Police.

Police found nine beer cans and a small amount of marijuana in his backpack. Bail is set at $50,000.