The family of the Florissant police officer shot by a burglary suspect last week says that he suffered a spinal cord injury after being shot by a burglary suspect will most likely be paralyzed for life.
Officer Mike Vernon was shot three times on Monday after police say a suspect, identified as Brian Cannon Jr., jumped out of a dumpster and ambushed him.
Vernon was searching the area for burglary suspects in the of 2800 block of N. Lindbergh when he came across some suspicious clothes.
Police said Vernon got out of his car and was checking out the clothes when Cannon jumped out of a dumpster and fired five shots, striking Vernon three times.
Vernon was hit in the shoulder, chest and leg.
Police eventually located Cannon brought him into custody – where he later confessed to the crime.
Vernon is currently being treated at Depaul Hospital, where he is listed in critical condition with a spinal cord injury. Vernon’s family told KMOV-TV he was paralyzed from the waist down.
Information from KMOV.com contributed to this report.