Warren police released video Friday of a police officer who was shot this week after he was called to a house where several men were involved in a dispute over payment to an escort.
The video shows Officer Donald Viars, 35, walking up to a house, a flashlight in his hand, with two other officers. For a few seconds, Viars is off camera and then is shown falling into the street after being shot.
Viars crawls to his gun, which is lying in the street, and then aims and fires the weapon. He crawls behind a car, and another officer shields him until a police vehicle arrives to take him to the hospital.
"I talked to Officer Viars at length, and he feels it's important this video go out because it validates the inherent dangers everyone talks about," Warren Police Commissioner Jere Green said. "It shows about 10-15 seconds where he is fighting for his life."
Police said Robert Day, 53, of Ecorse fired his gun twice, hitting Viars. Five officers fired at Day, killing him.
The shooting occurred early Wednesday after police were called to a house in the 7000 block of Paige, where Day allegedly kicked in the door and pointed a .380 semiautomatic Luger at one of two men living there.
Green said a preliminary review of the information -- including physical evidence and witnesses -- showed Day exited the home and opened fire.
Day had a concealed pistol license and no criminal history, Green said. Police are still waiting on toxicology reports for the suspect.
Viars, who has been on the force for eight years, is recuperating from his injuries at home and will return to work when he feels ready, Green said. The other four officers are on administrative leave and are expected to return to work Sunday.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
