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Support pours in for Arnold officer shot in line of duty

44-year-old Ryan O’Connor was shot near the back of the head and remains in critical, but stable condition as of Wednesday morning.
Photo provided by O'Connor family

ARNOLD, Mo. - Support is pouring in from the community after an Arnold police officer was shot while he was transporting a burglary suspect Tuesday afternoon.

44-year-old Ryan O’Connor was shot near the back of the head and remains in critical condition as of Wednesday morning.

"The official condition of Officer O’Connor is critical, but stable. At this point, the medical staff has relayed to the family that Officer O’Connor has a long road to recovery, and his condition could change by the hour," St. Louis County Police said in a press release.

Statement from Maryland Heights Police Department:

We were all deeply saddened when we learned of the horrific assault and injury inflicted upon on Officer Ryan O’Connor. Ryan is the son of retired Police Chief Tom O’Connor, and also the brother-in-law of one of our police officers, so this impacts all of our employees. Our heart goes out to the O’Connor family and we wish Ryan a speedy recovery.

READ MORE: Officer remains hospitalized

Gov. Greitens visited O’Connor Wednesday afternoon.

O'Connor is married with four children.

There are several ways to donate to the O'Connor family. Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak said people should vet all fundraising efforts before donating.

The St. Louis Police Officers Association said the O'Connor Family is asking for donations for Ryan to be made to Shield of Hope, the Fraternal Order of Police charity.

Donations can be made on a GoFundMe page set up for the officer or sent by mail to 3710 Hampton Rd., St. Louis MO 63109.

Donations are also being accepted at Fortune Bank located at 3494 Jeff Co. Boulevard.

Backstoppers, which has already given the family $5,000, now helps 83 families of injured or fallen officers. For more information and how to donate, click here.

Cards for Cops shared a request from a spokesperson for the family to send cards to Ryan.

Get well cards can be mailed to:

Officer Ryan O’Connor
C/O Arnold Police Department
2102 Jeffco Blvd.
Arnold, MO 63010

Gift cards for gas stations, restaurants and other places that will help the family can be mailed to:

Officer Dave Patrick or Officer Sean Gibbons
C/O Ferguson Police Department
222 South Florissant Road
Ferguson, MO 63135

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