Charles Dozé is a Civil Deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office who was viciously ambushed while serving and eviction notice as the Forest Rim Apartment complex in Tualatin, which is a suburb of metropolitan Portland.
Washington County Police Officers Association President Patrick Altiere, describing what happened, said, “They were ambushed at the door. They knocked on the door, and they weren’t greeted by a person, they were greeted by gunfire.”
When ambushed, Deputy Dozé was struck seven times total by the volley of rounds fired his way by the suspect inside the apartment. He was hit twice in the chest, twice in his head, once in the ribs, and once in each elbow.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office, in a press release sent out on July 28th about the deputy’s condition, said, “The Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputy injured in a shooting in Tualatin on July 26, 2023, is Civil Deputy Charles Dozé, a 10-year veteran of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Dozé sustained several life-threatening gunshot wounds and is still at a local hospital in serious, but stable condition. Deputy Dozé shared that he is working hard to recover from those serious injuries.”
And so, because he is recovering, his family is able to visit him with some hope of his recovery. Kaela Dozé, his daughter, told “Fox & Friends First” host Carley Shimkus that her dad’s recovery is going well, saying, “If anyone deserves a second chance like this, it’s my father.”
Continuing, she said, “I was just so happy I was going to be able to hold his hand and hug him again. I couldn’t imagine not having my dad to call and get his guidance through life. It was just so sudden and getting that phone call… I’ll never forget,”
Though he’s recovering, some serious injuries will require much help and work to get over. According to Kaela, he lost an eye because of the gunfire and suffered serious nerve damage to his left hand. “Those are going to be the hardest things to overcome through therapy,” she said.
A GoFundMe was release on behalf of the deputy and his family. The original GoFundMe post said, “On the morning of July 26, 2023, Deputy Charles “Chuck” Doze’ and two of his coworkers, Deputy Samantha Burkhead and Deputy Christopher Schroeder, arrived at an apartment complex in the city of Tualatin located in Washington County, Oregon to serve civil paperwork. Instead of being greeted by the occupant, they were greeted with gunfire.”
Continuing, it described the injuries he suffered, saying, “Deputy Doze’ was struck several times in his face, arms and chest. He sustained life-threatening and life-altering injuries. He was rescued as his co-workers returned fire and was rushed to a local trauma hospital. Deputy Doze’ is currently recovering in intensive care at a hospital in the Portland Metro area surrounded by his family, including his wife and children.”
It then described what the proceeds would go toward, saying, “The proceeds of this account will be used to assist the Doze’ family through the long and difficult healing process. We are thankful Deputy Doze’ is alive and want to do everything we can to support him and his family.”
An August 2nd update provided, “Dep. Doze is in great spirits. Soon he will undergo surgery to repair damage to his arms and legs. Other surgeries are scheduled for further out to repair damage to his face and head. While in his hospital bed he is undergoing physical therapy to keep his legs in shape. Chuck’s wife, Tay, and his family are overwhelmingly appreciative of the support they are receiving from everybody.”
Featured image credit: Washington County Sheriff’s Office
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