Wake County sheriff says deputy shot while on duty is out of ICU and in 'good spirits'
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Wake County sheriff gave an update Thursday on the condition of a deputy who was shot at an apartment complex in Raleigh while serving a search warrant on June 2.
Wake County Sheriff Gerald M. Baker said he decided to hold a briefing after receiving numerous inquiries about Sgt. Ronald Waller's condition.
Full News Conference:
Baker started the briefing by announcing that an account that been set up to help the family. Many people have reached out asking how to help.
"Sgt. Waller's life is forever changed as he continues to recover from his injuries," Baker said. "The Wake County Sheriff's Office created this account, with the family's blessing, to assist the family as he continues the road to recovery."
He said people can donate at any State Employees Credit Union branch in care of the Ronald Waller Fund. They can also mail donations to the State Employees Credit Union c/o Ronald Waller Fund, 1595 Corporation Parkway, Raleigh, NC 27604.
Waller, who has been with the department for more than 20 years, sustained injuries to his hip and knee. He has undergone two surgeries. Baker said Waller has responded well to the procedures and is out of ICU.
The sheriff said he talked with Waller's wife and "she expresses sincere thanks for prayers and support from everyone."
Waller is doing better, Baker said, and he added that he has visited him several times.
He's a "very strong young man," Baker said.
Baker noted that the sheriff's office is constantly evaluating what they do and how they do evictions. The office still has 44 eviction orders to be executed in the next seven days.
"We hope this never happens again, but we're dealing with the unknown," Baker said, "Can't see through the door and the process will remain the same with extra caution to keep deputies safe."
He added that if deputies experience non-compliance, the sheriff's office will back away and reassess and consider bringing in a special response team.
"We're concerned about what's going to happen the next time - we're dealing with people who have been struggling from the pandemic, economic struggles and we're there to put them out and the reaction can be anything," Baker said.
Waller, who is married and father to a teenage son, was shot at the River Birch at Town Center Apartments. Police identified 32-year-old Eddie Craig as the person responsible.
Baker said previously that Waller was hit twice.
"He's in good spirits, he's always been a happy man," Baker said. "He understands the risks with this job and the risks that came with that day...he's ready to get back to work, so he's doing good."
According to Baker, the deputy went to the apartment and didn't get an answer. The deputy then went to a couple of other apartments where notices also needed to be served and then returned to the apartment where the shooting occurred.
The apartment occupant opened the door, the deputy identified himself and then shots were fired from inside the apartment, Baker said.
Eventually, Craig surrendered and was taken into custody.
Craig was charged with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to kill, three counts of attempted murder, three counts of assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm and assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.
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