Thomasi McDonald
The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.)
RALEIGH, NC — Charles Ainsworth, a Raleigh police officer who was shot and wounded Jan. 9, is in stable condition, authorities said.
Police Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown issued the following statement:
“The family of Officer Charles Ainsworth would like to thank everyone for their continued support, well wishes, and generosity towards the family. Charlie is in stable condition and his recovery will be a slow process. The family is focused on and has hope for a full recovery. We ask that Charlie remain in your thoughts and prayers as he continues medical care through this arduous process.”
Ainsworth was shot several times at close range while responding to a call in west Raleigh about a stolen vehicle. Cedric Jamal Kearney, 24, has been charged with attempted murder.
The statement from Deck-Brown on Wednesday was the first public update on Ainsworth’s medical condition since the night of the shooting.
Ainsworth was transported to WakeMed after he was shot, and he underwent surgery that night.
A native of Jacksonville, Ainsworth graduated from N.C. State University in 2014 with a degree in psychology. He completed the Raleigh police academy in late 2017.
A campaign on the website GoFundMe.com has raised more than $74,000 for Ainsworth. The Raleigh Police Department also established a fund for him.
His wife, Jennifer Ainsworth, is a teacher at Dillard Drive Middle School in Raleigh. Teachers and other state employees have been donating their leave time so she can remain by her husband’s side as he recovers.
Officer Ainsworth was shot shortly after 8 p.m. Jan. 9 in the 1200 block of Teakwood Place, near Western Boulevard.
Police say Ainsworth and officer B.A. Halpin approached two men after a 911 caller said a car that had been stolen five days before from the neighborhood had returned.
Police later identified the men as Kearney and 21-year-old Antonio Dequan Fletcher.
Halpin told the men to show their hands, according to a report from the Raleigh city manager, and Kearney opened fire, striking Ainsworth.
Kearney ran away and was later found in a shed nearby, police said.
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©2019 The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.)