MONROE, Mich. — The Monroe community is showing support for a police officer who was shot while investigating a carjacking incident Sunday night.
According to the Monroe Police Department, just before 8 p.m. Sunday, officers received a report of a stolen car. The victim told police she was hit in the head with a handgun as the suspects stole her vehicle.
Cpl. Renae Peterson found the car and tried to make a traffic stop, when the suspects started shooting, according to police. Peterson was reportedly shot multiple times in the lower torso. She remains in stable condition with serious injuries.
RELATED: Monroe officer shot in the line of duty Sunday night while responding to a carjacking report
Meghan Lehman has known Peterson for 17 years. They went to the police academy together.
"She can relate to all kinds of people and when you talk to her, she's someone who genuinely cares. She's not just out here doing the job. Her heart is in it," Lehman said.
Getting hurt on the job is something officers train and prepare for, but the news of Peterson getting shot was devastating for Lehman.
Kordney Antwoine McDonald, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, and Kobe Ryan Falls, of Monroe, Michigan, are accused of carjacking a vehicle which police said led to the shooting.
Peterson, a 16-year veteran of the force and an officer of the year in 2016, was shot in the torso and underwent surgery.
The following day, Lehman started a T-shirt fundraiser so that the community could show their support. A vast majority of the proceeds will go to Peterson's family to offset any costs incurred as she recovers from her injuries.
"Send Me;" words from a bible verse are printed on the clothing. It holds a special meaning.
"Police work is a calling and it's about, 'Where can I go and where am I needed? Who will I send? Send me;' and that's what Renae is all about. What is the challenge? I'm not thinking about myself, I'm going to go and do it," she said.
Although having to undergo multiple surgeries, Lehman's relieved to know Peterson is recovering.
She said that if anyone can make it through this. It's her friend who also beat breast cancer several years ago.
"She is definitely a fighter and warrior. I'm totally confident she can come through this," Lehman said.
Charges
McDonald has been charged in a 17-count complaint as follows:
- Count 1 – Assault with Intent to Murder
- Count 2 – Robbery - Armed
- Count 3 – Carjacking
- Count 4 – Police Officer – Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing Causing Serious Impairment
- Count 5 – Weapons – Carrying Concealed
- Count 6 – Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault)
- Count 7 - Police Officer – Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing
- Count 8 - Police Officer – Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing
- Count 9 – Interfering with Electronic Communications
- Count 10 – Weapons – Felony Firearm (for Count 1)
- Count 11 - Weapons – Felony Firearm (for Count 2)
- Count 12 - Weapons – Felony Firearm (for Count 3)
- Count 13 - Weapons – Felony Firearm (for Count 4)
- Count 14 - Weapons – Felony Firearm (for Count 6)
- Count 15 - Weapons – Felony Firearm (for Count 7)
- Count 16 - Weapons – Felony Firearm (for Count 8)
- Count 17 - Weapons – Felony Firearm (for Count 9)
Falls has been charged in a 13-count Complaint as follows:
- Count 1 – Robbery - Armed
- Count 2 – Weapons – Firearms – Receiving and Concealing
- Count 3 – Weapons – Carrying Concealed
- Count 4 – Police Officer – Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing
- Count 5 – Police Officer – Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing
- Count 6 – Police Officer – Assaulting/Resisting/Obstructing
- Count 7 – Interfering with Electronic Communications
- Count 8 – Weapons – Felony Firearm (for Count 1)
- Count 9 – Weapons – Felony Firearm (for Count 2)
- Count 10 – Weapons – Felony Firearm (for Count 4)
- Count 11 – Weapons – Felony Firearm (for Count 5)
- Count 12 – Weapons – Felony Firearm (for Count 6)
- Count 13 – Weapons – Felony Firearm (for Count 7)
Both McDonald and Falls were arraigned in the First District Court by Judge Jack Vitale Tuesday afternoon.
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