The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports the suspect was deceased at the scene and one deputy was transported to OU Trauma Center in stable condition.
The officer was wounded in the shoulder/chest area as he was sitting in the driver's seat, Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo said in an early-morning news conference Thursday.
Police say how Chavez got his hand on the officer’s gun is unclear at this time and it has not been determined whether the gun was coming out of the holster before it was fired.
Officers located and began to converge on the suspect vehicle and two officers approached the vehicle while giving verbal commands. The individual driving the suspected vehicle began to flee and one officer discharged his firearm, without striking the subject.
Deputies responded to the disturbance at 1:41 a.m. and the sheriff’s office reports a man began shooting, striking one officer.
Police found the 22-year-old man hiding nearby behind a food truck. Once located, the man rushed toward the female officer and tried to stab her in the neck and face.
Two people exited the store to return the car but upon seeing officers tried to leave on foot. One of the two, a male, then ran toward the stolen vehicle and fired a handgun at officers.
Both officers and the suspect engaged in gunfire. Police report he fired at least one round striking an officer in the lower portion of both legs. He then again retreated into the wooded area.
Other officers were eventually able to carry the injured officers away. They were taken to University Hospital for treatment.
Officer Lina Mino remained hospitalized in critical condition Monday following one of what is expected to be several surgeries.
media brand
The secure and easy all-access connection to your content.
Bookmarked content can then be accessed anytime on all of your logged in devices!
Already a member? Log In