Police

Officer Dan Alford Continuing to Recover

West Precinct Officer Dan Alford, who was critically wounded by a gunman in the John Henry Hale public housing development on July 14, said today that his recovery is going well and that he hopes to return to work within the next two months.

Alford, 33, an 8 1/2-year police department veteran, met today with reporters for the first time to discuss details of the shooting. He was critically wounded by Marshawn Lytle, who had run into a vacant apartment to hide from officers who were making a routine check of the public housing area. Lytle carried baggies of cocaine, marijuana, a gun and a wad of cash into the apartment. As officers worked to clear the building, Lytle opened fire on Alford from a closet. Alford's bulletproof vest deflected one round to his chest. Another bullet went underneath his vest and entered his body at his left lower abdomen.

During the news conference, Alford thanked the scores of officers and medical personnel, as well as persons he has never met, who aided in his recovery with their hands-on expertise and cards of encouragement.

Officer Dan Alford answers reporters questions in a news conference today at police headquarters.
Officer Dan Alford answers reporters questions in a news conference today at police headquarters.

Officer Alford shows reporters the spot at which his bulletproof vest deflected a shot to his chest.
Officer Alford shows reporters the spot at which his bulletproof vest deflected a shot to his chest.

Officer Alford's colleagues from the West Precinct Flex Unit presented him with this framed photograph from the day of the shooting. In it, Alford gives a thumbs up to fellow officers as he is being loaded into an ambulance. He said the thumbs up was his way of urging his colleagues not to worry.
Officer Alford's colleagues from the West Precinct Flex Unit presented him with this framed photograph from the day of the shooting. In it, Alford gives a thumbs up to fellow officers as he is being loaded into an ambulance. He said the thumbs up was his way of urging his colleagues not to worry.