Klamath Falls, Ore. – A witness to Wednesday’s shooting may have helped to save the deputy’s life.
Michael Cooper watched the shooting from his front window…
“I stepped up to see what was going on, heard two gunshots go off – and I ran out to see if I could assist the officer.”
40 year old Deputy Jason Weber, a 7 year veteran of the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, had been shot in the face and side.
“I got him to settle down so I could take a look at him.” Notes Cooper. “To make sure he was, besides the obvious wound on his face, make sure he wasn’t bleeding out the side, or really bad out that area.”
Deputy Weber was stabilized at Sky Lakes Medical Center, then airlifted to O.H.S.U. in Portland, where he’s listed in ‘serious’ condition.
“He is in surgery now.” Klamath County Sheriff Frank Skrah said Thursday. “There is a team, I’m told, of 7 doctors who are working on him right now – his injuries are pretty horrific.”
The shooting suspect is 30 year old Williiam Jack Parkerson.
According to court records, Parkerson had just gotten out of prison in February for theft and burglary charges.
As for Michael Cooper – there’s a good chance he may have saved Deputy Weber’s life.
“I don’t know if I did that.” Says Cooper. “But I did help him, I guess. I’d have helped out anybody out here in the same situation.”
Sheriff Skrah thinks Cooper is being modest…
“He was covered in blood, trying to help Deputy Weber. My hat’s off to that man. I’m going to figure out who he is, and I’m going to stop by, thank him, and probably put a big old kiss right on his cheek.”
An account has been set up to assist Deputy Weber and his family at the Klamath Public Employees Credit Union.
Donations can also be dropped off at the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.