Liberty Co. deputy suffered 'serious damage to his throat and spine': family

The Liberty County deputy who was shot in the neck in Cleveland last week suffered “serious damage to his throat and spine”, according to a statement from his family.

The sheriff’s office says Deputy Richard Whitten was shot at a veterinary clinic after following and confronting a man who had shot three others at another business on May 29.

He was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center via Life Flight.

RELATED: Victims injured in deadly shooting in Liberty County

According to the statement released on Tuesday by Deputy Whitten’s family, “The trauma and damage is so extensive, at this time he only has limited range of motion on his right side. He has very little range of motion with his neck and head. Currently, he has assisted breathing and the Medical Professionals at Herman Hospital ICU are doing everything they can to make him as comfortable as they possibly can.”

The following is the full statement from the wife and family of Deputy Whitten.

First, to the other families of the victims from the tragic events on May 29th whereby our loved ones were targeted by another. Our hearts go out to all of you, just as yours, we know goes out to us. We are deeply saddened and our hearts are crushed by the depth of the loss and devastation our families are enduring, through no fault of our own.

Secondly, while there is no way to know exactly how many First Responders were at the scene, whether directly in a supporting role that day, we are grateful for each and every one of you. Our hearts hurt for you and all you’ve had to see and endure as well. And yet, we know with all of our hearts, you’d have it no other way, just like my Husband Richard would not. When people are hurting and in danger, you all rise to the occasion and do whatever must be done.

Now, as for my Husband… He was in fact shot in the neck. This single bullet has caused serious damage to his throat and spine. The trauma and damage is so extensive, at this time he only has limited range of motion on his right side. He has very little range of motion with his neck and head. Currently, he has assisted breathing and the Medical Professionals at Herman Hospital ICU are doing everything they can to make him as comfortable as they possibly can.

Even with such devastating injuries and difficulty, over the last 48 hours he has been able to converse with us and the majority of those conversations have been over his worry for everyone else who was involved in this horrific tragedy.

Kami Whitten