RICHLAND, Miss. (WJTV) – A GoFundMe has been established to help a Richland police officer, who was injured while responding to a standoff situation.

Authorities said officers conducted a traffic stop on a recreational vehicle (RV) on Highway 49 on April 24. They said the suspect pulled out a firearm and started shooting at officers, who returned fire.

After a standoff, the suspect inside the RV was confirmed to be deceased. The Rankin County coroner identified the man as Abdullah Chetin, 77, of Ocala, Florida.

According to GoFundMe, Richland Police Department Narcotics Investigator and K-9 handler Wesley Skinner was seriously injured during a crash while responding to the situation.

Wendy Hamilton, the organizer of the GoFundMe, said Skinner is facing a long road to recovery with multiple surgeries.

While workers’ comp will be compensating Wesley and covering his medical bills, he will be limited on any additional income. Wesley has a 7-month-old baby at home who still requires diapers, formula, daycare, etc. 

Let’s take some stress off by helping out with the cost of living! Wesley goes above and beyond to serve the citizens of Richland and puts his life in danger every day; it’s our turn to serve him!

Wendy Hamilton, GoFundMe organizer