The family of a police officer from Missouri has shared an emotional update on his condition via a video posted to Facebook, showing the painstaking progress he’s made after a near fatal confrontation.
Arnold, Mo. cop Ryan O’Connor was severely injured in a shooting on December 5, by a suspect who was in custody in the back of the police SUV. O’Connor was rushed to a Colorado hospital for treatment following the incident – he sustained life-changing injuries.
The entire community has rallied to support O’Connor and his family, as they lined the halls to show their gratitude for his selfless service. The video features new images from his recovery and was posted to social media with a message of gratitude and hope:
“We’ve come so far in the last 57 days. This video is just a small reflection of our journey so far. We continue to celebrate each small victory that comes our way. This week we have celebrated Ryan puckering up for sweet kisses and successfully catching a small nerf ball with his left hand,” the caption read.
“As we continue our week full of intense therapy, we anticipate and look forward to sharing more triumphs. Despite our distance from home we still feel all the love and encouragement you continue to send our way. Thanks to each of you for supporting our family in so many ways. We are touched by your thoughtfulness and generosity.”
Update from the O'Connor family…We've come so far in the last 57 days. This video is just a small reflection of our journey so far. We continue to celebrate each small victory that comes our way. This week we have celebrated Ryan puckering up for sweet kisses and successfully catching a small nerf ball with his left hand. As we continue our week full of intense therapy, we anticipate and look forward to sharing more triumphs. Despite our distance from home we still feel all the love and encouragement you continue to send our way. Thanks to each of you for supporting our family in so many ways. We are touched by your thoughtfulness and generosity.
Posted by Arnold MO Police Department on Wednesday, January 31, 2018
O’Connor was shot in the back of the head while transporting a prisoner to the Arnold Police Station. The suspect, identified by police as Chad Klahs, 29, of Arnold, then turned the gun on himself and later succumbed to his injuries.
Officers seized a 9 mm handgun from Klahs, but he hid a .40-caliber handgun from them and shot O’Connor before fatally shooting himself inside O’Connor’s police SUV, all while handcuffed.
Klahs took to social media to discuss breakups, prison time, and meetings with a parole officer. He referenced a drug overdose and white supremacy.
His final post showed an animated image of himself dissolving into tiny pieces. “This is hour I feel,” he wrote, with an obvious typo. Two days before, on November 1, Klahs simply posted: “Somebody help me.” Previous to that, he posted: “Last day of my life.”
Klahs had a lengthy criminal record. He was in and out of Missouri prisons four times since March 2011. The Missouri Department of Corrections stated that the convictions, all out of Jefferson County, were for drugs and burglary offenses.
Caleb Oates, who befriended Klahs several years ago in prison, learned of his friend’s death through social media. Oates, who lives in California, said he “couldn’t believe” what happened Tuesday, as reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “The Chad I know would never have done what he did,” Oates said. “He just wasn’t that person.”
Officer O’Connor underwent a five-hour surgery following the vicious shooting and required several more surgeries and being placed in a medically induced coma at St. Anthony’s Medical Center and SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital. He was transferred to Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colo., earlier this month.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to “help this wonderful family through their time of tragedy.”
“The financial needs for Ryan’s wife and four young children will be substantial as Ryan fights for his life,” the page explains. “All donations received will be used to assist the family with expenses related to Ryan’s care.” The campaign has raised just under $60,000 so far, with a target of $100,000.
Messages have been pouring in since the horrific incident took place.
“Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Stay strong, stay positive,” one person wrote. “Fast healing and best wishes to you, and thanks for all police officers!” another added. “Praying for comfort, healing and strength as you recover. Thank you for protecting our community.”