Officer Patrick's Widow Speaks Out After Tragic Shooting
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The widow of slain Mendota Heights police officer Scott Patrick spoke publicly Friday for the first time since the shooting that took her husband.
Through tears, Michelle Patrick said that while she struggles to deal with the "burden of grief," the community has provided her with hope. She gave her statement near the spontaneous memorial mourners erected near where Patrick was fatally shot.
The 19-year veteran of the Mendota Heights Police Department was performing a routine traffic stop Wednesday in West St. Paul when he was shot in the head, leg and abdomen. After an eight-hour manhunt, police arrested Brian Fitch, who was charged in Patrick's killing on Friday.
Patrick was the father of two teenage girls, both of whom stood near their mother on Friday night.
Michelle Patrick spoke about her husband's gift for humor and his ability to put people at ease.
She also described the law enforcement community as one big family "that is truly hurting right now."
"We share our grief," she said. "Because of that, [the community] lightens our burden."
How You Can Help
A Scott Patrick Memorial Fund has been set up through Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. Donations can be made in person at any of the Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union Branches, or via the following:
Phone: 651-291-3700
Mail: 175 West Lafayette Frontage Road, St. Paul, MN 55107