By Tammy Grubb
Source The News & Observer (Raleigh)
The Raleigh police officer who remains in critical condition after a shooting call Tuesday evening was identified Thursday as an Army veteran who joined the department in 2022.
First Class Officer M.A. Gillick served as a captain in a field artillery unit with the 82nd Airborne based at Fort Liberty in Fayetteville before he joined the Raleigh Police Department in June 2022, according to a news release.
Gillick was shot as Raleigh police responded to a call about a burglary in process Tuesday on Democracy Street. Police said they arrived to find Antonio Rodrigues, 70, inside firing a weapon. They returned fire when Rodrigues shot at police, killing him.
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N.C. Police Officer Critically Injured in Shootout During Burglary Call
- A Raleigh police officer underwent surgery after being injured during a gunfight that broke out when authorities responded to a call of a burglary in progress at a residence.
Police found another man inside the house, John Rowe, 73, who had been shot. He was taken to the hospital, where he also died.
A woman who owned the house in the neighborhood off of Chapanoke Road and South Wilmington Street fled down the street, leaving behind her shoes. She took shelter at a neighboring house, the neighbor told The News & Observer.
Gillick remains in critical condition at WakeMed, the Police Department release stated Thursday.
Gillick’s family has asked for privacy as he recovers, Police Chief Estella Patterson said. The department expressed “its most profound gratitude for the extraordinary care he is receiving and continues to ask for prayers from the community as he continues to heal,” according to the release.
“The outpouring of support to Officer Gillick and the entire RPD family from the community has been wonderful,” it stated. “We are blessed by a community that embraces one of our own during this challenging time. Officer Gillick’s family has shown tremendous strength, composure, and resilience during this difficult time.”
Police are directing well-wishers to send cards and other messages to the Raleigh Police Department, Attention: Shelly Owens, 6716 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27615.
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