A Week After Shooting, Detective's Condition 'Critical, But Responsive'
PARKER, Colo. (CBS4) - Very critical, but responsive. That's how surgeons at Parker Adventist Hospital are describing the condition of Douglas County Deputy Dan Brite.
A week ago a 40-year-old man known to police shot Brite, a detective, in his chest and caused serious internal injuries. Officers were responding to a call of an armed man in area near a school.
What started as a call for a suicidal man quickly turned into a chaotic situation.
"When officers arrived, they immediately started taking fire from a high caliber rifle," said Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock on Friday in a news conference to discuss the case.
Hundreds of shots were fired at that scene, with one officer shooting and killing Randall Rodick, a man described as a troubled recluse. Rodick fired not only at officers but also innocent bystanders.
There are bullet holes in the side of the hospital building from him narrowly missing staff just going about their day.
After Brite was shot, fellow officers rendered lifesaving aide on the scene.
As the investigation into the incident continues, doctors say Brite's recovery will continue for an extended period.
"Really to recover from something like this takes months. We're not even a week out but he's made dramatic progress," said Dr. Chris Winter, Trauma Medical Director for Parker Adventist.
Medical staff said Friday that while it's too early to tell what impact the injuries will have on his brain function, he is responding to treatment.
Brite's brother Steve spoke on behalf of the family Friday and said as a former Marine, Dan is strong and fighting for his life.
His family has been by his bedside encouraging him in his recovery.
"We tell him what his next mission is. You know, 'Your next mission is move your toes. Keep fighting. You're winning. You're going to walk out of here,'" he said.
Five officers from the Douglas County Sheriff's office, Parker police and Castle Rock police are said to have fired shots at the suspect. They are currently being investigated, which is a normal procedure in officer-involved shootings. The findings of that review won't be ready for at least a week.
A benefit GoFundMe account had also been set up to make donations online for Det. Brite and his family.
Additional Information From The Douglas County Sheriff's Office
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office has a Fallen Officer Fund which is designed to assist Officers and their family in the event of a serious injury or death in the line of duty. The Fallen Officer Fund is a Colorado 501(c)(3) tax exempt charitable organization. Tax ID #205599045. Donations can be sent to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office at 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO, 80109, Atten: Sgt. Ron Hanavan. A link to information about the fund is located at: http://www.dcsheriff.net/douglas-county-fallen-officer-fund/ A GoFundMe page has also been set up by the family and can be accessed at: https://www.gofundme.com/danielbrite
