The Grand Rapids Police Department is praising the “heroic efforts” of two of its officers for saving the life of an adult male that had been shot in the head.
On Monday, the GRPD released body-camera-footage of a shooting which took place on July 17th at the corner of Ceasar E. Chavez SW and Oakes Street SW in Grand Rapids.
The video begins with multiple gunshots ringing out, as a number of officer’s duck for cover behind police cruisers.
As police begin a foot pursuit in the direction of the gunshots, the body cam footage shows Officers Laura Saxton and Andrew Smith finding a man covered in blood.
According to the Department, Smith and Saxton make the quick decision to put the victim in their police cruiser and rush him to the hospital rather than wait for an ambulance, a decision the department says, that ‘undoubtedly’ saved the man’s life.
“The heroic actions of Officer Andrew Smith and Officer Laura Saxton during an extremely chaotic and dangerous situation undoubtedly saved this man’s life,” said Chief Eric Winstrom. “I have made the decision to release footage from body-worn cameras to show the bravery and selflessness Officer Smith and Officer Saxton showed that night. They did not hesitate. They did not seek out or wait for permission. They knew what needed to be done and they acted to preserve life. And after they had transferred the victim to the care of emergency room personnel, they immediately returned to the scene to work alongside their fellow officers. I am honored to serve with them.”
Two weeks ago, Chief Windstrom presented a number of departmental changes that he planned to implement over the next year, and said “protecting the sanctity of life” would be the GRPD’s top priority moving forward.
You can watch the complete video here:
