BONNE TERRE, Mo. — A Bonne Terre police officer injured in a shooting early Thursday that left a fellow officer dead is still in the hospital as of Friday afternoon, according to a family member.
Officers Lane Burns and Garrett Worley responded to the Motel 6 on Highway K just before 12:30 a.m. Thursday for a report of a disturbance. As they approached the hotel room a man came out and started firing at the officers, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported.
Burns and Worley fired back, killing the suspect, the highway patrol said. He was identified as 31-year-old James Emery of St. Louis.
Both officers were hit in the shootout.
Officer Burns was rushed to a St. Francois County hospital where he died from his injuries. 5 On Your Side spoke to his fiancé – pictured together in the photo below – who confirmed Burns was 30 years old. Burns had been with the Bonne Terre police department for five years.
Cpl. Garrett Worley, 27, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. He was airlifted to a St. Louis hospital in critical condition and underwent surgery.
Officer Worley's sister, Paige Jackson, said Friday he is expected to be in the hospital for three weeks.
"Garrett is still currently in the ICU. He is in a lot of pain and we should have more information tomorrow after his surgery," she said. "Garrett is struggling with the loss of one of his best friends, officer Burns. His heart goes out to Lane’s family."
She wrote in a message, "Garrett said to me, 'I will recover physically but I will never recover mentally!'”
Worley has two sons with his wife, Litany Worley. He's been with the Bonne Terre Police Department for seven years.
The police department was sent home to process their loss and what happened. Officers from neighboring law enforcement communities have stepped up to help while the Bonne Terre force grieves.
The BackStoppers Inc. said it is now helping with expenses for Burns' family. For more information on how to donate to BackStoppers, click here.