MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – Police released the identity of a Mount Vernon police officer who was shot in the line of duty Thursday as Mike (Mick) McClaughry.
Police officers responded to a call about 5:30 p.m. that a man had been shot on North LaVenture Road and East Fir Street. When the officers arrived, they approached a residence, and the suspect began shooting at the officers.
McClaughry, a 31 year veteran of the force, was shot in the back of the head and taken to Harborview Medical Center. He arrived at the hospital at 9:38 p.m. He was unconscious and in very serious condition. He underwent surgery about an hour later. On Friday morning, hospital officials said he was in critical condition in the intensive care unit.
Officials were confident about McClaughry's condition, and the officer's daughter wrote in a Facebook comment that McClaughry is "a fighter."
"He is a resilient individual, and I have no doubt he will pull through," said Mount Vernon police Lt. Chris Cammock.
Shortly after midnight Thursday, officers took one suspect and two persons of interest into custody without incident. Police say the crime scene is still active as some residents have been asked to leave their homes while investigations continue.
NEW: The Skagit County Prosecutor briefed us on the criminal history of the suspect and what happened today in court. pic.twitter.com/E9nQTQCsKK
— Alex Rozier (@AlexRozierK5) December 16, 2016
The 44-year-old suspect was held in the Skagit County jail on investigation of attempted murder in the first degree. Due to the serious nature of the crime and this possibly being the suspect's "third strike," the Prosecutor's Office recommended a bail of $1 million. The judge agreed, ordering the bail to be set at $1 million.
While in court, the suspect refused to sign any paperwork. His family members began to cry when the judge announced his bail amount.
Two teens were also arrested in connection with the shooting. A 15-year-old male and a 16-year-old male are being held for attempted murder, and bail is set at $500,000 for each of them.
The Prosecutor's Office has until 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday to formally charge the three people.
"It’s a very dynamic situation," said Washington State Patrol Sgt. Mark Francis.
Police said the suspect is "a violent offender and well known to law enforcement." He fired shots at a SWAT vehicle outside the home throughout the evening.
Police say they do not know the suspect's motive.
Officials closed off roads in the area, and residents are advised to avoid the scene. Neighbors were asked to evacuate, and they are staying at Salem Lutheran Church (2529 North Laventure Road) for their safety and comfort.
Francis said there were so many law enforcement agencies assisting with the investigation, you "couldn't name them all." There was also a widespread community response to the shooting, showing support.
Editor’s note: KING 5 has chosen not to name or show the face of the suspect until he is formally charged with a crime.
