GoFundMe Started For CPD Officer Wounded In Deadly Traffic Stop

Chicago IL

17 August, 2021

4:15 AM

Description

CHICAGO — Full of gratitude that he is still alive, a GoFundMe campaign has been established for Chicago Police Officer Carlos Yanez, Jr., the surviving officer who was shot during a traffic stop that claimed the life of his partner, Ella French, on Aug. 7 in Chicago's West Englewood neighborhood. The online campaign is being organized by the officer's sister-in-law, Evelyn Gamboa, and his sister, Nicole Yanez. Yanez suffered from multiple, gunshot wounds to his eye, brain and shoulder, all causing potential lifelong disability. Surgery repaired the many fractures to his face and eye socket. "We remain hopeful for a miraculous recovery, but have to prepare for what's to come. We will always pray for the stability of the blood vessels of his brain. Most importantly, we remain with our hearts full of gratitude that he is in fact alive." >>> GOFUNDME: PO Yanez shot and paralyzed during traffic stop Family members described Yanez is a loving husband and father to an almost 3-year-old son. As a Chicago police officer, he cared deeply for the district he served. Yanez has suffered paralysis in three of his limbs and the loss of an eye, repaired by surgery. "For many years, Carlos always talked about how he wanted to live in Englewood. He always spoke of the children, [their] innocence, and how he wished he could bring some of them home. He said they deserved an environment free from so much gun violence, physical/sexual abuse, and neglect. He witnessed things he could never understand. But it never hardened him. He continued to take pride in getting guns off the streets and treating everyone he interacted with respect. He felt in his heart he was reducing gun violence, and that is why he weathered the challenges of being a Chicago Police Officer in such a challenging district." After two days, organizers have raised $119,911 toward a goal of $250,000, to help ease the financial, physical and emotional burden on his wife, Brenda. The couple's young son was born with craniosynostosis. He has had multiple cranial surgeries and needs ongoing therapies. Yanez faces extensive physical therapy, and his residence will need to be modified for accessibility. Retired St. Louis police officer Matthew Crosby, who was wounded and paralyzed when he was shot answering a domestic abuse in 2010, donated $100 and offered words of encouragement to Officer Yanez. "Brother, keep fighting and keep living your life," Crosby wrote. "Don't ever give up. You can and will still have an amazing life after all you've endured. I'm praying for you and your family." Another member of the CPD community safety team, CPD Officer Joshua Blas, survived uninjured but is psychologically traumatized. Blas shot the man accused of shooting the officers, and was hailed as a hero during a 19th Ward community vigil by Phil Cline, a former CPD superintendent and executive director of the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. "Our hearts continue to be with Officer French's and Officer Blas' family and everyone impacted during these difficult times," said Yanez's family members. "We thank the dispatcher, Keith J. Thornton, for his heroic and calm response and EVERYONE who assisted with the events that occurred that night." To make a donation, visit the PO Yanez shot and paralyzed during traffic stop on GoFundMe.