It's the phrase no cop wants to hear - "officer down.' But when Don Stearns heard that officer was Lamont Washington "It was like time had stopped for a second," says Don Stearns. "It was a sinking feeling for sure."
Five years ago Stearns hired Washington as an in-store officer for the Kroger Company. "He's the most likable guy you ever want to meet. He's very outgoing," recalls Stearns. He remembers the young man being very tech savvy, even fixing the security at the division headquarters at Ormsby Station Court. He quickly moved his way up Kroger's corporate ladder. "Promoted him to a district lost prevention manager."
But Stearns always knew the young man who was like a son to him had another calling. "He had a burning desire to be a police officer and I totally supported that. [I] hated that phone call when they called me for a recommendation."
But the rookie's career almost came to an end Friday while chasing down three teenagers suspected of robbing a house. One of them turned and opened fire on Officer Washington.
19-year-old Dominique Gosnell appeared in court Monday. His attorney trying to make sure the weapon stayed out of his client's hands. "So that there will be no issue as of whether or not the defendant handled the gun or not at the scene of the crime," said Gosnell's counsel.
All three suspects - including a juvenile - are charged with attempted murder of a police officer and robbery. Stearns spoke with a grateful Washington. They joked about the bullet proof vest and police badge that saved his life
"I guess this goes on a picture frame at some point," says Stearns. The former boss is also amazed by how calm Washington was when he realized he had been shot. "The radio transmissions, he hasn't heard them, they're very, very calm and that sounds exactly like him as well."