OfficerBlueLone Tree, CO – The Park Medows Mall Chick-Fil-A opened on Sunday to feed law enforcement after five Douglas County deputies were shot Sunday morning. Deputy Zackari Parrish was killed in the attack.
Chick-Fil-A is normally closed on Sunday so employees can spend the day with their families, but they opened for first responders after the shooting.
The local restaurant posted on Facebook, “With heavy hearts and lots of community support three Douglas County, Jefferson County and other County officers are helping with food 400 sandwiches for first responders. Our prayers are with all that serve and their family’s.” [sic]
They also posted a video of their employees working to prepare the meals for first responders.
The shooting happened when Deputy Parrish and four other deputies, Mike Doyle, 28, Taylor Davis, 30, Jeff Pelle, 32, and Castle Rock Police Officer Tom O’Donnell, 41, responded at around 5 a.m. to the Copper Canyon apartment complex.
The call was dispatched as a domestic disturbance, according to Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock.
The officers were let inside the apartment by the suspect’s roommate, and were shot within minutes of their arrival, after engaging the suspect and talking to him. Deputy Parrish was fatally shot, and the other officers are all reported to be in stable condition.
Two citizens who were not related to the incident were also shot and are being treated for non-life threatening injuries, according to KUSA. They have not yet been identified.
The suspect, who was not identified, fired more than 100 rounds at the officers before being fatally shot, Sheriff Spurlock said. The roommate was not injured, and is cooperating with police. His name was not released.
In a statement, Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper said:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the family and friends of Deputy Parrish. We can only imagine the depth of grief they are experiencing.
We also hope for a speedy recovery for the Douglas County deputies and the Castle Rock police officer injured in the incident, as well as the residents who also were affected.
The call to protect and serve too often leads to this ultimate sacrifice. We are grateful for the service of Deputy Parrish, his fellow deputies, and that of the Castle Rock police officer. We pray for their and their families’ strength and resolve in the days and months ahead.“
Deputy Parrish had served with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for seven months, and had previously served with the Castle Rock Police Department and the Morrison Police Department.
“Zack was a smiley kid. [He was] eager to work, eager to serve,” Sheriff Spurlock said.
He is survived by his wife, two small children, and other family members.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is asking people who want to donate to make donations to their Fallen Officer Fund. There is a GoFundMe set up for the officer, but it’s not clear at this time if it’s legitimate.
You can thank Chick-Fil-A for caring for our first responders by sharing this story and getting the word out about their good deed.