A Montgomery County police officer is in critical but stable condition after collapsing while running after a shoplifting suspect. Cory Smith reports.
A police officer suffered a medical emergency while investigating a shoplifting incident at a Maryland mall Tuesday.
The Montgomery County police officer was investigating the theft inside Westfield Wheaton when the suspect ran.
The officer chased the suspect and called for backup but collapsed.
Other officers responded, and the suspect was arrested, but the responding officers noticed the original officer was struggling with a medical issue. He was rushed to Holy Cross Hospital, where he is in critical but stable condition.
“Upon the arrival of other officers — their arrival was very quick — it was recognized that he was in medical distress,” acting Police Chief Russell Hamill said. “Our officers rendered immediate aid to him and were quickly assisted by Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service personnel.”
The officer was conscious and alert when he was taken to the hospital.
“I really owe a great debt of thanks to our officers who jumped on their brother officer, immediately provided him aid,” Hamill said.
