2016-09-04

By Melissa Garcia

PARKER, Colo. (CBS4) – The community is rallying behind the Douglas County sheriff’s deputy who was critically injured during a shootout with a suicidal man on the outskirts of Parker on Friday.

A Douglas County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said that the agency was grateful for the many local businesses and community members stepping up to support the injured deputy and his family.

Detective Dan Brite remained in critical condition, fighting for his life at an area hospital as of the last update from officials.



Detective Dan Bright (credit: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office)

The Coffee Cabin at the corner of Parker Road and Ponderosa Drive in Parker announced on social media that it would be holding a fundraiser for Brite and his family next Sunday, Sept. 11.

Wesley Crespi, owner of Coffee Cabin, heard the devastating news that Brite had been shot and knew that he had to help.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Crespi. “What I’m doing is just a little thing compared to what we could be doing as a country. We need to give back to these people,” Crespi said of first responders. “We need to show them our support. We need to let them know that we’re behind them 100 percent.”

A week away from the day of the fundraiser, customers and even strangers were already stopping by the coffee shop donating money for the injured deputy who put his life on the line to save others.

“(It) makes you feel proud that there are people out there who are willing to step in harm’s way and do that for us,” said Dan LeDoux, a Parker resident who stopped by the coffee shop to donate.

The violent rampage near an elementary school was the topic of sermons across Parker on Sunday.



(credit: CBS)

Crespi said that every dime of every purchase made on Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. would be donated to Brite and his family.

All of the product and even the taxes would come out of the owner’s own pocket, according to Crespi.

A benefit GoFundMe account had also been set up to make donations online for Det. Brite and his family.

Additional Information From The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has a Fallen Officer Fund which is designed to assist Officers and their family in the event of a serious injury or death in the line of duty.  The Fallen Officer Fund is a Colorado 501(c)(3) tax exempt charitable organization.  Tax ID #205599045.  Donations can be sent to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, CO, 80109, Atten:  Sgt. Ron Hanavan.  A link to information about the fund is located at:  http://www.dcsheriff.net/douglas-county-fallen-officer-fund/ A GoFundMe page has also been set up by the family and can be accessed at: https://www.gofundme.com/danielbrite

Melissa Garcia has been reporting for CBS4 News since March 2014. Find her bio here, follow her on Twitter @MelissaGarciaTV, or send your story idea to mkgarcia@cbs.com.

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