Texas Black Officer Needs Organ Transplant After Being Shot In The Back In Ambush | News
A black Texas police officer suffered multiple internal organ damage after a shooting at a bar on Saturday (October 16) left another deputy dead.
Based on KHOU-TV, Harris County, District 4 of Constable Precinct Darryl Garrett Doctors underwent multiple surgeries to remove shrapnel that damaged some of his internal organs. Lajah Richardson, the 28-year-old’s fiancée says he will need a kidney transplant after having his gallbladder removed.
Garrett is dealing with a possible robbery in the parking lot outside the bar with his colleague Deputy Kareem Atkins. KHOU reports that the pair were trying to arrest a suspect when a second suspect appeared and opened fire with an assault rifle, attacking both officers.
A third officer, Jaqaim Barten26 years old, heard gunshots and ran to help but was immediately shot and immobilized.
“They told him he had to leave the facility and things would go from there. He was very upset,” Richardson told the news station.
Atkins, 30, died of a gunshot wound. He recently returned from paternity leave and has served on the encampment since January 2019. He leaves behind his wife and children.
Because Garrett was in critical condition, Richardson said she didn’t tell him that one of his best friends had died and didn’t know how she would tell him.
“They call each other brothers. They do everything together,” Richardson said.
Richardson describes Atkins as a wonderful officer, friend and husband, and explains how difficult it is to be without him.
“He’s a hard worker. He takes care of his family. He makes sure if you need anything he’ll go through it for you,” she said.
As for Barthen, Richardson said he is in a stable condition and remains at the hospital.
ONE GoFundMe was set up to help Officer Garrett cover medical expenses as he faces a lengthy recovery period.
