Recovering North Carolina Police Officer Speaks About Shootout That Killed His Partner

WINSTON-SALEM --

An emotional Daniel Clark spoke to the media for the first time Tuesday about the shooting last month that mortally wounded his partner.

"I would like to thank God, because I am only here by his grace," the 28-year-old six-year veteran of the Winston-Salem Police Department told members of the media gathered at the Public Safety Center. "Everything I know happens for a reason. There is a plan that I'm not meant to understand."

Clark survived a gunshot wound to his neck and fired the shots that killed 35-year-old Monte Evans. Police said Evans shot Clark's partner, Sgt. Mickey Hutchens, outside the Bojangles' restaurant on Peters Creek Parkway on Oct. 7.

Hutchens and Clark were rushed to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical. Clark was released two days after the shooting. Hutchens died five days later.

Clark underwent surgery last Friday to remove the bullet that was lodged in the left side of his neck.

"We are deeply appreciative of the community's support and understanding," Winston-Salem Police Chief Scott Cunningham said.

In addition to the outpouring of support from the community, Clark said his wife, who is pregnant and due next April, has also been very supportive.

Clark also took the opportunity to talk about Hutchens, who had been his partner since earlier in the year.

"He was a great leader. He would never ask of you anything that he wouldn't do himself," Clark said.

Clark attended Hutchens' funeral at Wake Forest University.

"It was very emotional. There was no way I'd miss it. If they had to push me in a wheelchair I would have been there," he said.

Cunningham said the internal investigation into the incident could be completed as early as next week, which should include the release of 911 tapes and radio traffic. There is also an SBI investigation into the incident, as is generally the standard procedure any time an officer is involved in a shooting.

Clark plans to return to the force.

"I do know I want to come back," he said. "I don't want to quit. I've always considered myself a servant. I enjoy helping people and that's why I took the job."

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