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'I do not see myself as a hero': Officer describes quick actions that saved child

Master Police Officer Walter Arvisais said his experience as a flight paramedic proved invaluable after a 3-year-old girl was injured in a shooting in Longmont.

LONGMONT, Colo. — A Longmont Police officer who helped save the life of a 3-year-old girl injured in a drive-by shooting described the quick actions taken to get the victim treated.

The shooting happened around 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Countryside Village Mobile Park in the 1400 block of South Collyer Street. Police said a suspect or suspects in a dark-colored sedan fired multiple gunshots into the home before driving off.

Junior Loya, who identified the victim as his daughter Alyahna, sent the following statement to 9NEWS: "We're doing okay. We glad that our bby is getting better. She’s a strong little girl, she’s wants to get better, she’s moved her hands a little and she’s doing her best to get better. We're  glad she’s okay. We want everyone to help us out with prayers for Alyahna. 

Master Police Officer Walter Arvisais, who goes by Cooper, said that Officer Shane Mathis first arrived at the scene and recognized the child was injured. Police said she was injured by an "unknown projectile" and that her injuries were life-threatening.

>The video above is from Thursday.

Credit: Junior Loya

Arvisias said that his previous experience as a flight paramedic with adults and pediatrics allowed him to help Mathis start medical care before he arrived.

Officer Cole Wollner then arrived at the scene and related the severity of the child's injuries, which were significant, and Arvisias was able to relay valuable information to responding paramedics and the hospital that additional resources were needed.

Arvisias said he then arrived at the scene, along with Longmont firefighter and paramedic Chad Onthank, who worked with others at the scene to provide a car until the child could be transported to the hospital.

"I do not see myself as a hero," Arvisias said in a statement. "I was doing exactly what I was trained to do in these circumstances. Moving from a flight paramedic to a police officer was my next step for a different view of public safety and a way to continue to help. I wish to extend my best wishes to the family for a speedy recovery."

Anyone interested in donating to assist the mother and child can use this link.

Credit: Longmont Police Department
Master Police Officer Cooper Arvisais

Anyone who may have surveillance video in the area, or tips about the shooting, can call Detective Sloan-Stogsdill at 303-651-8544 or Detective John Winship at 303-774-3698. Callers should reference Longmont Police #23-11500.

Credit: Junior Loya

More stories involving Longmont Police:

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