An elderly man tending to his garden in Washington is being credited with helping police catch a robbery suspect that was evading arrest.

Terry Miracle, 82, was caring for his garden at his house in Longview when he became aware of a developing situation that was heading in his direction.

The commotion was due to the police chasing 27-year-old burglary suspect Morgan Perry Bluehorse, who was leading police through the residential neighborhood jumping over fences and running through yards.

As Miracle heard the officers getting close to his own property, he decided that he would be forced to take action. So as the noise crept closer, Miracle readied himself and got into position.

As Miracle anticipated what he would be put in a position to do, Bluehorse came storming around his house.

"He was looking back over his shoulder to see where they were, and he turned around the corner of the house and he was coming at me just like the runners used to do when I played football," Miracle told AP.

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And that experience came in handy when the suspect approached Miracle as he performed a "cross-body block" on the suspect.

"I kicked out my knee, as I always did with a cross-body block, and caught his knee with my knee," Miracle said. "He went down and so did I."

The time spent on the ground gave police that few seconds they needed to catch up to Bluehorse and as he was trying to get to his feet he was abruptly tackled by police.

"It sounded like somebody hit the bass drum, and he went back down this time," Miracle recalled.

Bluehorse was arrested and charged with second-degree burglary, third-degree theft, trespassing, resisting arrest, obstructing an officer, malicious mischief and possession of methamphetamine. He also had a no-bail Department of Corrections warrant, Longview police Sgt. Mike Hallowell said during a statement.