Update on Injured Lowell Police Chief
By: Cassidy Hodges
Updated: April 29, 2012
Update: Sunday afternoon Lowell Mayor Eldon Long released this statement on Chief Joe Landers' condition.
"At the family's request, I am issuing the following statement regarding Chief Joe Landers' current condition: 'To ensure the integrity and reputation of Chief Joe Landers and, to dispel any myths or rumors...He is breathing less on his own, his brain and pupil reactions are minimal at this time and his brain is swelling again.'
Chief Landers' condition continues to be listed as critical. Please continue to keep him and his family in your prayers."
KNWA will have the latest on this developing story tonight at 5 and 10.
The city of Lowell is coming together to support Police Chief Joe Landers who was hit by a drunk driver while on vacation in Florida.
"He's had a long love for motorcycles," says Lowell Mayor Eldon Long.
--that passion put Lowell Police Cheif Joe Landers in a Florida hospital Friday -- after a drunk driver pulled out in front of his Harley.
"Chief Landers is alive he is stable at this time he is still in critical condition and he is able to breathe with the help of the machine he's on," says Sergeant Paul Pillaro with the Lowell Police Department.
The Florida Highway Patrol says 52 year old Jimmy John Christo Jr. pulled out in front of Landers and his motorcycle hit the car throwing him from his bike.
But Christo, the driver of the car, took off after the collision and was caught by deputies a short time later.
"They advised me that he did smell of alcohol and did admit to drinking and leaving the scene," says Pillaro.
Chief Landers is still in critical condition as his family heads to Panama City, Florida.
"For my understanding it was touch and go for the Chief for a long time it's still touch and go but they did say that he was able to move his arm which was a good sign," says Pillaro.
Back in Northwest Arkansas, The city held a prayer vigil at the request of Landers' family.
"Right now we're very optimistic that he's going to continue to improve," says Mayor Eldon Long.
And with 17 years on Lowell's police force, his co-workers already feel his absence.
"He's a vital part of this community, he's a vital part obviously of our police department--very well respected, very well loved. Our hearts go out to him. It's one of those things you're never quite prepared for," says Long.
Friends of Chief Landers are setting up a donation account at Arvest Bank first thing Monday.
"At the family's request, I am issuing the following statement regarding Chief Joe Landers' current condition: 'To ensure the integrity and reputation of Chief Joe Landers and, to dispel any myths or rumors...He is breathing less on his own, his brain and pupil reactions are minimal at this time and his brain is swelling again.'
Chief Landers' condition continues to be listed as critical. Please continue to keep him and his family in your prayers."
KNWA will have the latest on this developing story tonight at 5 and 10.
The city of Lowell is coming together to support Police Chief Joe Landers who was hit by a drunk driver while on vacation in Florida.
"He's had a long love for motorcycles," says Lowell Mayor Eldon Long.
--that passion put Lowell Police Cheif Joe Landers in a Florida hospital Friday -- after a drunk driver pulled out in front of his Harley.
"Chief Landers is alive he is stable at this time he is still in critical condition and he is able to breathe with the help of the machine he's on," says Sergeant Paul Pillaro with the Lowell Police Department.
The Florida Highway Patrol says 52 year old Jimmy John Christo Jr. pulled out in front of Landers and his motorcycle hit the car throwing him from his bike.
But Christo, the driver of the car, took off after the collision and was caught by deputies a short time later.
"They advised me that he did smell of alcohol and did admit to drinking and leaving the scene," says Pillaro.
Chief Landers is still in critical condition as his family heads to Panama City, Florida.
"For my understanding it was touch and go for the Chief for a long time it's still touch and go but they did say that he was able to move his arm which was a good sign," says Pillaro.
Back in Northwest Arkansas, The city held a prayer vigil at the request of Landers' family.
"Right now we're very optimistic that he's going to continue to improve," says Mayor Eldon Long.
And with 17 years on Lowell's police force, his co-workers already feel his absence.
"He's a vital part of this community, he's a vital part obviously of our police department--very well respected, very well loved. Our hearts go out to him. It's one of those things you're never quite prepared for," says Long.
Friends of Chief Landers are setting up a donation account at Arvest Bank first thing Monday.
