Wounded Missouri Police Officer Continues to Fight for His Life

ARNOLD, Missouri -- Arnold Police Officer Ryan O'Connor continues to fight for his life in a St. Louis hospital.

The Arnold Police Department posted on its Facebook page Thursday that O'Connor remains in critical condition.

"We know each and every person that follows this page wants to be kept current on Officer O'Connor, but all we are able to report is that his status is still listed as critical. He has an amazing team of doctors and nurses working around the clock providing the best health care available, and Ryan has the strength of the Irish in his veins! Thank you for your continued concern, and when we have updated information it will most certainly be provided."

O'Connor was shot by Chad Klahs, 29, of Arnold, on Dec. 5 while O'Connor was driving Klahs to police headquarters to be booked on a variety of charges, including a home burglary.

Officers seized a 9 mm handgun from Klahs, but he hid a .40-caliber handgun from them and shot O'Connor before fatally shooting himself inside O'Connor's police SUV, all while handcuffed. The shooting was on the parking lot of police headquarters, just yards from the sally port where O'Connor was heading with Klahs.

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