PEARL, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
The National Rifle Association has named its Officer of the Year, but the announcement is bittersweet to Pearl Police Detective David McCarley.
Pearl Police Spokesperson Butch Townsend stated in a release Tuesday that Detective Dave McCarley has been chosen "Officer of the Year" by the NRA. While McCarley expressed gratitude to the Board of Directors of the NRA for his selection, he was quick to point out that his team lost a valuable officer in the line of duty.
"He's uncomfortable with the label hero and feels the true hero that day was Detective Walter," said Lt. Townsend.
McCarley recalls four officers were present with him on what is being called the "department's darkest day." Detectives Archie Bennett, Shawn Terwilliger, John Rose and of course, Mike Walter.
Detective McCarley expressed that Mike Walter was the hero on May 1, the day a group of Pearl Police detectives arrived at an apartment in order to serve search and arrest warrants for a suspect wanted for sexual battery and child molestation.
After no answer to knocks at the door, the detectives announced themselves, entered, and began a search for anyone inside. As they reached the master bedroom, they found the suspect hiding in the shower area separated by a wall from the main bathroom.
Lieutenant Townsend explains after the suspect repeatedly ignored commands to come out, Detective Mike Walter decided to attempt to use his Taser to safely apprehend the suspect. As Walter leaned into the bathroom, the suspect darted out from behind the wall and began firing a handgun. The gunman's first two shots struck Detective Walter in the face and neck and he fell to the floor. The gunman then turned and fired on Detective McCarley.
McCarley worked his way behind a chest of drawers and out of sight until the suspect eventually realized he was still in the room.
"Dave used his training and his wits and did a remarkable job convincing him, number one,not to kill him. And number two, to stop the carnage," said Townsend.
Detective McCarley willingly took grave risk to his own life in order to aid his fallen comrade, Detective Walter.
"McCarley eventually realized that if Detective Walter stood a chance he was going to have to get down there and try to do something for him. So he began to crawl towards him," explained Townsend.
McCarley had been shot in the hand and leg. But using his severely injured hand, got the gun out of Walter's holster.
"At the first available moment, he turned and put and end to all that carnage," explained Townsend.
While Detective McCarley greatly appreciates recognition of his service, Lieutenant Townsend states, McCarley would gladly surrender the acknowledgement to have Detective Walter back with us.
McCarley will be recognized at the National Rifle Association's convention in Houston in the near future.
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Pearl Police Spokesperson Butch Townsend stated in a release Tuesday that Detective Dave McCarley has been chosen "Officer of the Year" by the NRA. (Source: PPD)
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