The Vancouver police officer shot seven times Monday has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.
Motorcycle officer Dustin Goudschaal was shot after making a traffic stop Monday at about 11:30 a.m. near Northeast 162nd Avenue and 34th Street in east Vancouver.
Having pulled over the stolen vehicle, the driver, identified as 47-year-old James Todd Sapp, turned and shot Goudschaal before speeding away, according to court documents.
Sapp faces charges of first-degree attempted murder, first-degree robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Immediately following the shooting, two passersby stopped to help Goudschaal with his wounds and to notify 911 dispatchers of the shooting. Goudschaal was taken to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and he remained hospitalized for a few days.
The Vancouver Police Officers Guild set up a donation account at iQ Credit Union. People can donate at any branch under the Goudschaal family account.
Chief's statement
Vancouver Police Department Chief James McElvain released a statement about the response to the shooting that was published on the agency's Facebook page this afternoon:
"As many of you know, the Vancouver Police Department endured one of the most critical incidents a police department can experience. One of our officers was shot in the line of duty. As this incident was evolving, local and regional law enforcement officers responded to offer assistance. This rapid coordination of resources brought about the timely apprehension of the individual responsible for the shooting of our officer.
"Following this unfortunate incident, the Vancouver Police Department and Officer Goudschaal has received an outpouring of support from law enforcement agencies near and far, as well as residents of our outstanding city. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for those officers/deputies who immediately responded to our call for assistance. Each worked very cooperatively and professionally to bring about a successful outcome to an otherwise chaotic and rapidly evolving situation.
"I was impressed with the level of skill, rapid response and expertise displayed by each law enforcement officer/deputy. This was an outstanding display of selfless service that we all come to simply expect each and every day; however, Monday's response exceeded expectation, and I am grateful.
"For the community's support, and that displayed by those individuals who put themselves in harm's way to render immediate aid to Officer Goudschaal, I am extremely humbled."
Copyright 2014 - The Columbian, Vancouver, Wash.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
