Officer McClaughry Remains in Critical but Stable Condition

Mount Vernon, WA – Officer Mike “Mick” McClaughry , a 31-year veteran of the Mount Vernon Police Department remains in Critical but stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Harborview Medical Center  in Seattle after being shot in the head while investigating a weapon offense at the intersection of LaVenture Road and Fir Street  in Mount Vernon on December 15th, 2016.

There have been varying reports in the media  on the Officers injuries and condition since the shooting.  Officer McClaughry sustained a gunshot wound to the head as a subject opened fire on  Officers as they  approached a home to see if there were any witnesses to the previously reported  weapons offense.  After Officer McClaughry was shot,  fellow Officers pulled him to safety while they were being shot at.  Some media agencies have reported the bullet grazed Officers McClaughry’s skull, but his son, Jason said in a Facebook Post, it actually went through.  “I don’t want people thinking it’s less serious than it is.” Jason wrote.

Officer McClaughry’s daughter, April wrote  in a Facebook post “he is still in very critical condition but he is making small improvements and the doctors are quite surprised with how much he has come along. He is still in very bad shape and he won’t be awake for quite some time but the prognosis is better than worse. I keep downplaying the severity in my head but I know that he will recover.”

The community has shown an outpouring of support for Officer McClaughry and his family since the shooting.  Hundreds of cards, gifts, flowers and emails  have been delivered to Harborview Medical Center and the Mount Vernon Police Department.

 

A Go Fund Me Account was set up for Officer McClaughry’s family and has received over $28,000 in donations since it was created  three days ago.

On Sunday,  April McClaughry released the following statement to the Community on behalf of the family:

To all the community and friends,

My family and I wanted to express all our gratitude for the outpouring of support that we have received since my father, Officer Mike “Mick” McClaughry was critically injured while on duty Thursday,  December  15th 2016.

My father has had a massive impact on the community and we really didn’t know how much until this tragic event occurred. We have received so many emails, flowers, messages, cards of support, prayers and love. Some of the stories are how my dad changed their lives and in some instances, say that he saved their lives. My dad is a very humble man who doesn’t like to boast about the things that he’s done. He does them because that is who he is and because it is the right thing to do. He never expects any praise for the things he does.
My dad is a fighter, he has a lot to live for and we are very confident that he will recover. It is still a long road to recovery and he will be in critical condition for a while still but we will all be here on that day that he opens his eyes and speaks his first words to us. He is making small but very promising recovery steps and the doctors are astounded at how he is recovering after such a traumatic event (that would be his stubborn side).

We also would like to extend our deepest condolences to all the officers that have lost their lives and we can’t even wrap our heads around losing a father, husband, wife, sister, brother, grandfather, son and friend. We thank them all for their service and offer our prayers to the families. We want to also extend our deepest condolences to the family of Officer “Jake” Gutierrez. We still have our father and we have hope. That hope was taken instantly from them and we can’t express words on how that would feel and what they are going through.

If anyone would like to send their support you can send emails of stories, prayer, etc. to the hospital (Click here)  or to the Mount Vernon Police Station. There is also a Go Fund Me account started for my family and we are so overwhelmed by the support and generosity that we have received from that site. I am truly grateful to know that my family will be able to not worry about any of the financial woes and be able to focus on what is the most important thing……our dad, our brother, our friend, grandfather, son and husband.

Thank you all,

April McClaughry and Family

 

The family has started a community Facebook Page for Officer Mike McClaughry. The community is encouraged to add positive  comments, stories, pictures, cards, well wishes and more.  You can visit the page by clicking here.

Officer Mike McClaughry or “Mick” to everyone who knows him joined the Mount Vernon Police Department on May 28th, 1985. He has served the Mount Vernon community for 31 years and for those of us that listen to the police scanner on a regular basis, his distinct voice became a symbol of integrity and professionalism as he responded to calls for service in the community.

Mick is the father of three grown children, a grandfather, a brother and an extended father figure to so many children in this community.  Mick was the Department’s first DARE Officer providing mentoring and modeling to children K-6th grade.  He spent many years in the Boy Scout program often being the one who assisted with the long 50 mile hikes.

Mick grew up in Everett, Washington graduating from Cascade Senior High School and then attending Washington State University where he majored in business.  He served for 3 ½ years as a Reserve Police Officer for the City of Everett before joining Mount Vernon Police Department.

Officer McClaughry’s professional career has  included D.A.R.E. Officer, Criminal Investigator, uniformed Patrol and most significantly a Field Training Officer.  Mick has probably mentored or taught over half the staff the Mount Vernon Police Department has  working today.

The family plans to hold a press conference in the coming week to update the community further on Officer McClaughry’s condition.

 

Three Subjects are currently being held in connection with Officer McClaughry’s shooting after an hours-long standoff with police where multiple rounds were fired at responding Officers.

A 44-year old Mount Vernon Male is currently being held in the Skagit County Jail in lieu of $1 million dollars bail on an Investigative hold for attempted murder.

A 15-year old Male is currently being held in the Skagit County Juvenile Detention Center in lieu of $500,000 bail on an investigative hold for attempted murder.

A 16-year old Male is currently being held in the Skagit County Juvenile Detention Center in lieu of $500,000 bail on an investigative hold for attempted murder.

Skagit County Prosecutors have until Tuesday to Officially charge the three subjects.