WALLA WALLA (AP) — A Washington state trooper who was shot and wounded in Walla Walla on Thursday is expected to make a full recovery, according to the man’s father.
Trooper Dean Atkinson Jr.’s father, Dean Atkinson Sr., said Monday that there’s nothing that would prevent him from reengaging as a trooper, if he chooses, The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin reported.
The trooper was shot multiple times around 5 p.m. Thursday in Walla Walla while on duty. He suffered wounds to the face and his left hand, which he used to shield himself, Atkinson Sr. said. The trooper then drove himself to a nearby hospital and was flown to Harborview Medical Center, where he has been in stable condition, undergoing surgeries, according to his father.
Brandon O’Neel of Walla Walla has been charged with attempted murder, assault and attempting to elude police.