About 5 foot 9 inches tall, 150 pounds...
Posted on 09/29/2006 5:32:02 AM PDT by commish
A Montgomery police officer remains in critical condition at Montgomery's Jackson Hospital after he was shot while making a traffic stop in the 1800 block of North Decatur Street around 12:45pm on Thursday. As of late Thurday night, the mayor told WSFA 12 the officer is in "grave condition."
Mayor Bobby Bright, who says he's been in emergency room with the officer, says the officer has responded to some voice communication by blinking his eyes, but, "If he makes it through the night we'll all be lucky." The officer's family is now with him.
During WSFA 12 News at 6:00, Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright identified the injured officer as 30-year-old Keith Houts. The mayor says he was shot one time in the head and the bullet has severed his spinal cord. Doctors are currently treating the officer in Jackson Hospital.
During WSFA 12 News at 5:00, members of the family, the police department, and the mayor gathered outside the hospital for a prayer.
During a live news conference on WSFA 12 News at 10:00, the mayor and police chief reminded the public that they are dealing with a "dangerous individual," and that police officers from around the area, along with state and federal authorites are looking for the suspect. Mayor Bright says that if anyone knows anything about the shooting of the police officer they should call 911 or CrimeStoppers at (334) 215-STOP.
Late Thursday night, Montgomery police chief Art Baylor announced that police have found the vehicle they are looking for on Vista View Drive in north Montgomery.
Moments after the shooting, WSFA 12 News has also confirmed that Booker T. Washington Jr. High, Highland Gardens, and Chisholm Elementary Schools were on lockdown for a short period of time.
Stay tuned to WSFA 12 for the latest coverage and details on this story.
Even if Kieth survives, he will be completely paralyzed and will be on a ventilator for the rest of his life. He was shot in the neck and the bullet barely missed his coratic artery and vocal cords, but did completely sever the spinal cord just below the base of the skull.
Kieth's prognosis is very grim, and he is not expected to survive, but by the grace of god he has at least been given the time to see his family and he is a fighter.
Prayers for Officer Houts and his family. IIRC, one wouldn't relish their car breaking down on N. Decatur.
Probably not the thread to bring it up so I won't. God bless the young officer, and his family, as they face life altering events, and may they have the strength to be able to forgive the person responsible whatever the outcome.
THanks for the ping to the other thread Jenny -- I did a search but did it on the article title, and didn't think to look for a personal post.
bump
Kieth's Uncle just spoke and said that Kieth is sedated but is conscious and can communicate by blinking his eyes. So far he seems to be holding his own, but is still in very critical condition.
As an aside, Kieth is also an Army reservist and returned from a one year tour in Iraq in February.
Montgomery Police and Alabama Investigators are currently searching areas along and around Interstate 65 Exit 181 & 186 for the Weapon the perp Used.
LOwndes County Authorities are searching a home and property in rural Lowndes County after a tip the Perp was in the area.
Talked to some friends in the Montgomery PD. While all the reports are about the shot to the neck, they said Kieth was also shot multiple times in the chest after the first shot, but that his vest protected him from those shots. (Warning - This is hearsay from friends of mine but I trust them).
Also, two other friends that are certified divers and have underwater search equipment have been asked to be available to search the an area of the Alabama River for the weapon once a search grid has been established.
Woodward was sentenced to 15 years and apparently was released recently (No date was given).
He was already wanted on multiple felony charges, but those other charges have not been disclosed.
I try never to wish ill on another human, but I sincerely hope this bastard resists arrest and gets what is coming to him.
Thanks for the updates Commish... any picture of the perp out yet?
About 5 foot 9 inches tall, 150 pounds...
Prayers for a miraculous recovery.
Also, Kieth is still fighting for his life. His condition is unchanged from yesterday, but each day he survives increases his chances of survival. Unfortunately Kieth will be completely paralyzed from the neck down if he does survive.
Officer Kieth Houts has suffered a "major setback" according to doctors at Jackson Hospital. Kieth suffered a stroke overnight and is now listed in extremely critical condition.
Suspect Mario Woodward has been returned to Montgomery from Georgia, and is being held on $1 million bail.
tragic news, prayers for him and his family
Officer Keith E. Houts died at 9:53 p.m. at Jackson Hospital
Admin MOd, would you please update the title.
Yes--he needs to be put out of this world the sooner the better. Now he's taken two lives we know about. They caught the pig and now need to do the right thing.
Prayers for his family. May he rest in peace.
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