SEATTLE — The Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper who was shot in Walla Walla on Thursday is in serious-but-stable condition in the ICU as of Friday morning, UW Medicine confirmed at 6:17 a.m.
Dean Atkinson Jr, reportedly drove himself to a local hospital in Walla Walla following the shooting before being transported to Harborview Medical Center for further treatment.
KEPR reported the alleged shooter, 37-year-old Brandon Dennis O'Neel, appeared Friday morning in Walla Walla County Superior Court, where a judge set his bail at $1 million. O'Neel is being held for suspicion of attempted aggravated murder in the first degree, assault with a firearm in the first degree and attempting to allude with a firearm.
On Thursday night, Chief John Batiste issued a statement on the shooting:
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. We were also reminded of how strong and resolute our people can be when Trooper Dean Atkinson though seriously injured, found the strength to drive himself to the hospital. Trooper Atkinson is a five year veteran of the Washington State Patrol and I am both relieved and happy to announce he is now in stable condition.
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.
The regional Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating the shooting at the request of the Walla Walla Police Department.
In a release issued Thursday night, the SIU provided additional details on the incident, and released the identity of the man arrested for his involvement.
According to the SIU, at 5:07 p.m. Thursday, Walla Walla police officers responded to reports of an officer who was shot on West Poplar Street near Avery Street in Walla Walla. Witnesses told police the victim was a WSP trooper.
Officials said police responded to the scene and collected evidence related to the shooting.
Several minutes later, officers in Milton-Freewater, Ore., tried to stop a vehicle matching the description of the one involved in the shooting. O'Neel led police on a short chase near the Oregon state line, which ended on Highway 125 north of Stateline Road.
The SIU reported O'Neel, was arrested at the scene and taken to Walla Walla County Jail. Officials said he would be booked on charges related to his suspected involvement in the shooting and the chase.
Investigators said more information on the shooting would be released as it becomes available.
WSP says the last time a trooper was shot and killed in the line of duty was Trooper Tony Radulescu who was shot by a driver in Gorst in 2012. The driver later took his own life.
Another trooper, Trooper Scott Johnson was shot by a man while he was impounding the man's wife's van. Johnson survived the shooting.