HAZELWOOD, Mo. - Hazelwood police arrested one of their own Monday, a dispatch under investigation for stealing money meant for an injured officer.
Over the past year April Briscuso has organized several fundraisers for Hazelwood police officer Craig Tudor.
Tudor was paralyzed when his patrol car crashed in 2016.
Briscuso says she's raised roughly $75,000 for Tudor but he tells 5 On Your Side he's received "nowhere near" that amount of money.
Hazelwood's chief says his department was tipped that Briscuso may have pocketed some of the money and now both Hazelwood and St. Louis County police are investigating.
St. Louis sergeant Tom Lake, who survived a shooting on the job, knows how much community donations can mean when an officer can't work. And he knows Officer Tudor.
“I know he can use this money,” Lake says of Tudor.
Both officers are part of a non-profit called "Project Hurt" which works to help officers injured in the line of duty.
Lake says members are working to raise the money the Tudor's are missing.
In a text message Briscuso said she couldn't comment while she's under investigation, but she emphasized she has not been formally charged.
By text message Officer Tudor shared the following statement.
We are terribly saddened by April's actions, and grieved that her activity has also hurt our friends, family, and the greater community that has so steadfastly supported us. We have full confidence in the City of Hazelwood and the St Louis County Police Department, and we know that this matter will be fairly and justly handled. The grievous actions of one person cannot overshadow the incredible encouragement we have received from our friends, family, and the greater community. Yes, we are hurt by what April has done, and saddened that she misled so many who came out to support us, but we choose to focus on the many blessings we have received over the past year. We want all who have steadfastly helped us to know that their efforts have encouraged us through the most difficult season of our life.
