Deputy Remains In Critical Condition After Shooting, Community Rallies
DOUGLAS COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - A Douglas County detective remains in critical condition after a shooting with a suspect and now the community is rallying in support.
The shooting happened Friday after police responded to reports of a suicidal man near Dixon and Alpine Drive. Deputies shot and killed the suspect after he fired at officers.
CBS4's Lauren DiSpirito talked to the community supporting Detective Dan Brite.
According to information from deputies and Brite's family, Brite remains in intensive care in very critical condition.
"We've been saying prayers, we've been asking people to pray for them," said Brite's neighbor, Joanne Justus.
Justus lives down the street from where Brite was shot.
"To be fired on is just something most people I don't think can comprehend. It scares the heck out of me just thinking about it," she said.
Through a GoFundMepage, Brite's family says they need prayers and financial support, as relatives continue to arrive to be by his side.
Deputies say the man who shot detective Brite is Randall Rodick, 40. When law enforcement was called to his home Friday, police radio traffic indicates Rodick had access to weapons, may have been drunk, and suicidal.
Deputies say Rodick fired on them outside his home, striking Brite, and then fled in his RV, crashing it near Sierra Middle School where another deputy shot and killed him.
Some neighbors told CBS4 Rodick was a recluse and they describe him as a troubled.
On Saturday investigators re-combed the shooting scenes and removed vehicles and bags evidence from Rodick's home.
Justus says she's proud of the way law enforcement responded.
"You know they put their life on the line every time they're on duty -- sometimes even off duty -- and boy we just all feel really terrible," she said.
Investigators said they have gathered all of the evidence they need.