Within seconds of an explosive being thrown into the Santa Barbara County Courthouse in Santa Maria, security guard Steve Neil sprang into action, chasing down the suspect and keeping others safe amid the chaos.

“I turned to follow the bag and when it hit the ground it exploded in a big ball of fire. (I turned around and saw the gentleman running, I went after him and grabbed him by the car,” Neil said. “I went straight away, (it was) just instinct I guess.”

Having worked at the court as a security guard since 2009, Neil says he has never faced anything like this before, but adds he was prepared to act.

“My main concern was to let them take control of the situation and I would get out of the way and let them do their thing,” he said.

On Thursday, Neil received special recognition for his actions when the Santa Barbara County Grand Jury presented him with a proclamation for heroic courage.

“It’s very unusual for a grand jury to do something public like this,” Santa Barbara County Grand Jury Foreman Dale Kunkel said.

Kunkel expressed his gratitude for Neil’s action to protect the court and the community.

“Mr. Neil stood up for the court, represented the honor and values ​​of our community,” Kunkel said.

For Neil, the recognition was unexpected.

“I don’t think I did anything out of the ordinary, so it felt surreal,” he said.

He adds that he plans to hang the plaque in his home in Texas once he retires.

“I really appreciate it,” said Neil. “I know I don’t normally do things like that. It’s a great honor from them.”

The suspect in the bombing that injured five people has been identified as Nathaniel McGuire, who is currently in federal custody. He pleaded not guilty to all taxes against him and is due back in court on December 17.

If convicted, he could face between seven and 40 years in federal prison.