AUBURN, Wash. — The King County Sheriff honored five teenagers as heroes Monday night after they saved a deputy who was being assaulted.

On July 18, Deputy Elliott was off duty when she was flagged down in Auburn after an intoxicated man caused a car crash.

When the man tried to leave, Elliott tried to arrest him, but instead he put her in a headlock, choking her.

About this time, Deputy Elliott heard several men's voices yelling "get off of her." A group of five teens jumped on the suspect and struggled with him as Deputy Elliott was able to get free. They held the suspect's shoulders and legs to the ground to allow Deputy Elliott to handcuff the man.

"On her behalf, I have to thank you," said Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht. "She believes, and I believe had you not been there for her on this day, she might not be alive."

The teens were given the Community Heroism award — it's the highest award a civilian can receive from the sheriff's office.

The suspect was eventually booked for investigation of assault of an officer and DUI, and had prior warrants of his arrest including DUI, driving with a suspended license and failing to have an ignition lock.