Tonight we’re hearing from the family of the officer who was shot earlier this month in Abbeville.
Kaitlyn Rudesill was shot during a traffic stop on April 3rd. The bullet hit her in the left shoulder, and she suffered a collapsed lung. She was hospitalized for a few days after surgery, but is now recovering at home.
The 23-year-old officer had been with Abbeville PD for less than a year, when she was shot in the line of duty.
“You don’t want to think that it’s a possibility though either. And the call is not something that you ever want to get again,” said her older sister, Danielle Rudesill.
Danielle said Kaitlyn has always wanted to help others, but never expected her sister’s life could be on the line because of it.
“She’s so courageous and she’s so strong and just absolutely empowering,” said Danielle.
Last week Kaitlyn released a statement through her attorney, thanking everyone who has helped.
“I’m the brother, son and nephew of law enforcement back home in Rapides Parish. And as a member of that family, we never wanted to get that phone call,” said Kaitlyn’s attorney James Klock. “I couldn’t imagine having to pick up the phone and then being able to maintain the same good spirits that her family has.”
Klock said the officer is mainly focusing on her recovery, but hopes to get back out into the community soon.
“Kaitlyn loves the community, she loves Abbeville PD, it’s like a family. They’ve been there for her like no one else would. And it’s not just that department, but all departments in the area,” said Klock.
Worker’s compensation pays about 65% of her $10 an hour salary while she is out. The Lafayette Police Association started a Go Fund Me to help with her costs.
Kaitlyn still has months of healing to look forward to, with both physical and emotional therapy. Her family says the support she’s gotten from not only the Abbeville community but from others in Acadiana has made the process a little smoother.
“She’s not working her second job, she’s only getting so much from the job that she did have, so it’s just a true blessing that they were able to put this [Go Fund Me] on for her and that the community is supporting her fully,” said the officer’s sister.
If you’d like to donate, you can click here.
As for the suspect, Nahshon Brooks is still in jail tonight, facing an attempted first-degree murder charge for that shooting.
