PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A former Clackamas County sheriff’s sergeant who was shot in the face eight years ago is in serious condition at a Portland hospital after suffering from seizures and pneumonia.
The Oregonian reports that Damon Coates was being treated at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. His family declined to comment.
In January 2003, the parents of a 15-year-old boy called 9-1-1 after they said they witnessed psychotic behavior. Coates responded and asked the teenager if he had any weapons. He said no, then pulled out a stolen handgun and shot Coates in the face.
The teenager was sentenced to 20 years of secure mental-health supervision. Coates survived but suffered permanent disabilities, which forced him to retire from law enforcement.
