APD Officer Daniel Webster dies from injuries

Albuquerque Police Department Officer Daniel Webster died from his injuries at the University of New Mexico Hospital early Thursday, the department has confirmed.

Officer Webster was shot multiple times during a traffic stop in southeast Albuquerque on Oct. 21. He died around 2:30 a.m. Thursday.

Watch: Press Conference on Officer Webster’s Death

Albuquerque Police Chief Gorden Eden released a statement Thursday morning:

“It is with deep sorrow that I inform you our colleague and brother, Officer Dan Webster, has succumbed to the injuries that he sustained during a traffic stop on October 21, 2015. Officer Webster fought valiantly for his life, however, his injuries were too severe.

Officer Webster was the very best example of a life committed to public service, through his service to our country and to our community. He leaves a legacy of excellence and commitment, and we honor his life through our ongoing service to our community. Though our own hearts are heavy, please continue to pray for his wife and their family as they endure this unimaginable loss.”

Webster, 47, served with APD for nearly nine years and was named APD Officer of the Year in 2013. He was the Southeast Area Command representative for the Albuquerque Police Officers Association and recently returned to the field because of an officer shortage within the department.

Before becoming an officer, he served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army for 20 years before retiring.

He was honored in September 2013 for giving CPR to a baby who was not breathing, saving the child’s life.

He underwent multiple surgeries at UNM Hospital in the hours after the shooting and remained in the hospital’s intensive care unit for the next seven days.

Webster’s wife is a Bernalillo County sheriff’s deputy.

“Today our hearts are heavy as we grieve the loss of APD officer Daniel Webster,” Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry said. “Officer Webster served our city and our nation with distinction, honor and courage. I extend my deepest sympathy and prayers to Officer Webster’s wife and family and I ask our community to come together as we mourn his passing and remember the sacrifice that he and his family made to keep us safe. Keep the men and women of APD close to your hearts today and always.”

The Albuquerque Police Officers Association today released a statement Thursday afternoon:

“Today our community lost one of its true heroes, a man who gave everything to serve and protect the people of Albuquerque. To call Daniel Webster an exceptional officer would be an understatement. He represented the very best of our profession. He worked tirelessly to keep our streets safe and always went above and beyond to help the community and his fellow officers. He was a role model, a protector, a friend, and we were proud to have him serve on the APOA board working on behalf of the rank and file officers of the Albuquerque Police Department.”

The police union encourages the public to display white and blue ribbons as part of the “We are Albuquerque, Let’s Take Our City Back” campaign, which represents support of the Albuquerque community and the officers who protect it.

Gov. Susana Martinez also issued a statement about Webster’s death Thursday:

“My husband and father were both law enforcement officers and this cold-blooded murder hits close to home and breaks my heart thinking about the pain the family is enduring. We must all remember that Officer Webster lost his life working to keep us safe from harm. Because of a senseless act of violence, his wife and children are left without a husband and a father. We have lost a hero and I ask all New Mexicans to join me and Chuck in praying for Officer Webster’s family and friends.”

HOW TO HELP WEBSTER’S FAMILY

In the days after the shooting, community members and local businesses stepped up to help Officer Webster and his family.

Metro Papa John’s locations donated $6,000 and Pizza 9 donated $7,000 of profits from pizza sales on Monday and Wednesday, respectively.

Other restaurants like Bubba’s 33 and Crab N’ Draft also contributed profits toward the fund set up for Webster.

The APOA has set up an account for his family at Wells Fargo. Donations can be made to the Officer Dan Webster Fund #8138663789. Gift card donations for the family and well wishes can be dropped off or mailed to the main APD station at 400 Roma NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 – Attn: Chief’s Office, Officer Webster.

An official GoFundMe page has also been set up for Officer Webster.

New Mexico State Police, Albuquerque Police Department Cadet Class 114 and BCSO Cadet Class 36 are holding a fundraiser for Webster’s family Sunday, Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Royal Car Wash, located at 11517 Central Ave. NE in Albuquerque.

Albuquerque Religious and Clergy United is planning an interfaith vigil Friday at 3 p.m. at the Walgreen’s at Eubank and Central, the site of Webster’s shooting.

Friday, Nov. 6, the staff at Officer Webster’s old barber shop, Deuces, will give free haircuts to anyone in law enforcement or the military.  For paying customers, Deuces owner James Ortega says they will donate 50 percent of the proceeds to Webster’s family.

SUSPECT TO REMAIN JAILED PENDING TRIAL

Albuquerque police said Officer Webster stopped 34-year-old Davon Lymon on Oct. 21 for driving a motorcycle with a stolen license plate. While attempting to arrest him, the criminal complaint states Lymon fired six rounds at Webster, striking him several times, including in the face near his chin.

Lymon was not supposed to have a gun due to previous violent felony convictions, including voluntary manslaughter in the death of 20-year-old Ronald Chanslor Jr., who was the grandson of the founder of Blake’s Lotaburger.

Lymon is currently facing federal weapons charges. State charges against Lymon are also expected to be filed.

Bernalillo County District Attorney Kari Brandenburg said she and her office would move on those charges “in the near future,” but since he is being held in federal custody after his first federal appearance Tuesday, Brandenburg said the DA’s Office would wait to file charges so as to not start the 10-day discovery limit of the Case Management Order.

Brandenburg’s office was adorned with darkened badges and blue ribbons Thursday in Webster’s honor.

“As District Attorney, I am deeply concerned about the violent events which have recently taken place in our community,” Brandenburg wrote in a statement. “We are all working diligently to hold the accused accountable, and we stand by those who pledge to stop the violence in our community.”

-With Elizabeth Reed. This story was originally published at KOB.com