WINSTON-SALEM — A critically wounded Winston-Salem police officer died Monday night, according to department officials.
Sgt. Mickey Hutchens, a 27-year veteran of the force, suffered a gunshot wound to the head in a shootout behind a Bojangles restaurant last Wednesday. He was 50 years old.
"Mickey was an exceptional person," said Police Chief Scott Cunningham in a statement late Monday. "For more than 27 years he dedicated his life to the service of others. Mickey sacrificed his protecting the citizens of Winston-Salem. His sacrifice was not in vain. He believed in what he was doing. He spent his life helping others."
Police said the shootout was the result of a fight between suspect Monte Denard Evans, 35 of Winston Salem, and his ex-wife who managed the restaurant. Hutchens was called to back up another officer, department officials said.
Officer Daniel Clark, 28, was also shot in the neck and abdomen, his life saved by a bullet proof vest. He was released from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center on Friday. Evans was killed in the gun battle.
Mayor Allen Joines declared a period of civic mourning from Tuesday to Friday and ordered the city's flags to be flown at half staff. He also has asked the office of President Barack Obama asking that U.S. flags be flown at half staff over the same period.
Even in death, Cunningham said, Hutchens was helping others.
"Mickey was an organ donor, and as we speak, a team of surgeons has removed his vital organs so that others may live," Cunningham said. "Were he here now, Mickey would encourage every person in this room, and in our city, to be an organ donor, too."
Funeral arrangements have not yet been made, but Cunningham said they would be announced as soon as they are complete.
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