ST. PAUL (WCCO) – For the first time, the St. Paul police officers who were ambushed in October are talking about their horrifying experience.
On Oct. 23, 2012, Officers Daniel King and Brian Wanschura were on a break when they saw a man walking in front of them with a weapon.
“I saw him begin to remove the shotgun. I fired one round at him. I missed,” said King. “When we pulled into the parking lot, we began taking rounds.”
Authorities say the gunman, 22-year-old Chue Xiong, stole a shotgun and other weapons from his family and used them against police.
“The first one went through my forearm, passed in front of Brian’s chest and in and out the open squad door,” said King.
Both men served in the military and say that training helped to prepare them.
“It happened so quickly. You always train and mentally prepare yourself for if a day like this ever comes, and you just hope you can react,” said Wanschura.
Wanschura rolled out of the squad car and began shooting at Xiong, who was killed.
“I realized how badly I’m hit, the arm is shattered, I’m pouring blood. Brian’s engaged in a gun fight. I thought the arm was gone,” said King.
Now, there’s a huge scar on King’s arm where the bullet did damage. But considering what could have happened, he’s lucky.
Both officers say they wouldn’t hesitate to put their lives on the line again.
“It’s a dangerous job, but if this is the price and nobody is hurt, I’d do it again,” said King.
King is still on the mend and hopes to get back on patrol soon.
Sonya Goins, Producer
Contact Sonya
