Police officer shot 7 times released from the hospital

FOLCROFT, Pa. (WTXF) - The Folcroft police officer shot in the line of duty on Friday has been released from the hospital. He was wheeled out at about 2:15p.m. Monday,  just three days after he was shot seven times.

Click here for RAW VIDEO: Officer Dorman released from the hospital

Click here for RAW VIDEO: Officer Dorman arrives at the firehouse

Folcroft Officer Christopher Dorman has endured at least two surgeries since being shot Friday in the face, leg and groin. He was nonetheless able to walk from a wheelchair to a waiting car in a U.S. flag-themed shirt and hat.

The trip from the hospital to Dorman's Folcroft home included a stop at Folcroft Fire Company No. 1, where he had served as a volunteer fire fighter before joining The Folcroft police department last year.
Dozens of friends and neighbors cheered his arrival.

Dorman pronounced himself "lucky" to have survived getting hit by seven shots allegedly fired by a drug suspect Friday morning. Four of the bullets were stopped by his protective vest. Dorman thanked the crowd for their support and said he was "ready to get back to work."

Folcroft Police Chief Robert Ruskowski and Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan spoke live to “Good Day Philadelphia” on Monday morning.

Chief Ruskowski told FOX 29's Mike Jerrick and Alex Holley that Dorman was born and raised in Folcroft, and was also a volunteer firefighter. He joined the police force more than a year ago and has done an outstanding job. He was wearing his bulletproof vest during Friday’s shooting, and bulletproof vests must be worn when they’ve been assigned.

Friday morning, people at an apartment building had reported others smoking marijuana and dealing drugs. Officer Dorman went to investigate. That’s when he was shot more than a half-dozen times. Another officer rushed him to the hospital where doctors performed surgery. Again, he’d been wearing his bulletproof vest, so his condition could’ve been a lot worse.

District Attorney Whelan said suspect Donte Island, 33, is a dangerous career criminal who spent time in a federal penitentiary and wasted no time trying to kill two police officers. Whelan said his office will aggressively prosecute Island, who is facing substantial time. He’s charged with two counts of attempted murder and aggravated assault.

Each of those assault counts on officers could land him 20-40 years, and that could amount to a life sentence. Three other people who’d been questioned have not been arrested and will not be charged. In fact, they cooperated and their testimony will be used in the prosecution.

Chief Ruskowski said his 25-year-old rookie officer can’t thank the public enough. Dorman has a great sense of humor, should be cracking jokes soon, and may even ask to be called Dorman, the Delco Legend!

The chief said the outpouring of support has been unbelievable. Dorman needs financial help because he was only serving part-time. There is a GoFundMe page set up. Also, people have been bringing in cards and donations.

Plus, everything is now good with country music icon Kenny Chesney who mistakenly told a Philadelphia concert crowd on Saturday night that Dorman had died. Now, the two plan to drink beer and watch the Eagles, so it all worked out in the end.