According to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office Facebook, the trooper's patrol car was rammed near the Sportsman's Warehouse on Poplar Street around 5:20 p.m. on Thursday. The trooper was able to drive himself to Providence St. Mary Medical Center, where he was then airlifted to Harborview Medical Center.WSP later identified the trooper as Dean Atkinson, who is a five-year veteran with the agency. He remains in serious in the ICU as of Friday morning, officials said.
An independent investigation of the shooting is being conducted by the Special Investigations Unit of the Walla Walla Police Department. "This evening we were once again reminded of how dangerous the profession of law enforcement can be when one of our troopers was involved in a critical incident while on duty in Walla Walla.
Let me say thank you to the outpouring of support from the public. I am sure it is and will be appreciated by Trooper Atkinson and his loved ones and indeed all of the men and women in law enforcement in our state. Though there is certainly danger and cruelty in our world, there is also courage and grace, and for that we are thankful just as we are thankful for this fine young trooper's service and survival.
Source: Healthcare Press (healthcarepress.net)
Wonder how many times this criminal was released with no time served?