Local News

Fundraiser started to support Wilbraham police officer shot in line of duty

“Your continued support of our injured officer, their family, and friends is greatly appreciated.”

January 22, 2024

1 minute to read

A fundraiser is underway to support a Wilbraham police officer who was shot in the line of duty over the weekend.

The fundraiser, started by the Greg Hill Foundation, has garnered more than $13,000 in donations as of Monday night.

“It is anticipated that the officer will require surgeries and have a long road to recovery,” the description of the fundraiser reads.

Wilbraham police responded to a residence on Old Carriage Road in the town on Saturday around 8:20 p.m. for a report of a man threatening other residents in the home, according to police. At the scene, the officers outside the house exchanged gunfire with a 53-year-old man, later identified as Michael Ortega, who was inside the home.

A 29-year-old police officer, whose name has not been released, was shot in the exchange and brought to a local hospital with serious injuries. Police said on Sunday the officer was in stable condition.

The other residents of the home escaped through a second floor window onto a lower roof and were helped down by police using a ladder, according to police. Ortega was later found in the house with gunshot wounds and taken to a hospital. He is also in stable condition, according to police.

Ortega is facing charges of assault with intent to murder and assault with a dangerous weapon.

The incident remains under investigation.

“The Wilbraham Police Department would like to extend a warm and heartfelt thank you to the members of the local community, police, fire & EMS, and hospital staff,” the police department wrote on Facebook on Monday. “Your continued support of our injured officer, their family, and friends is greatly appreciated.”