Emotional Procession for York County Detective’s Return Home
CHARLOTTE, NC — A York police officer shot during the search for a domestic violence suspect is out of the hospital. The York County Sheriff’s Office says Sgt. Kyle Cummings is recovering at home.
The memorial for sheriff’s detective Michael Doty is growing. It’s in front of the Moss Justice Center in York. Doty died last night, after being critically injured in that same shooting.
Detective Doty was transported home to York County from Charlotte today in an emotional procession down I-77. Doty’s death is taking an emotional toll on his “brothers in blue”, and is the latest violent incident in an unprecedented week for local law enforcement.
“It’s been a tremendous outpouring of support since Tuesday of not only this community but the Charlotte community,” says York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson. “And have actually had, you know, calls, and texts, and e-mails nationwide.”
These are tough times for local law enforcement.
Detective Mike Doty was brought home to York County on Thursday. The 12-year veteran died on Wednesday. He was one of four officers shot early Tuesday during an incident involving a domestic violence suspect. The community came out to support a fallen hero.
“He was very charismatic,” says Sheriff Tolson. “He was very compassionate. His passion for mentoring young men and women was unmatched.”
“Even though I didn’t know him personally, it hit just as if he was someone so close to my family,” says York County resident Alyssha Thennis, who came out to visit the memorial.
The York County Sheriff’s Office truly is a family. Doty served alongside his twin brother, Chris. Sheriff Kevin Tolson says the family is holding strong.
“He is doing as well as one can expect, losing a brother, and of course a twin,” says Tolson.
“This is the very definition of hitting close to home,” says CMPD operational psychologist Dr. Dave Englert.
In the last week, we’ve also seen a Mecklenburg County sheriff’s deputy killed in a domestic situation. And a CMPD officer shot, and wounded, by a wanted murder suspect, in the parking garage at police headquarters.
Dr. Englert says the department sent chaplains and trained peer support officers to the hospital, providing non-stop assistance to the families of the York County deputies.
“We’ve tried to provide as much services and support for them,” says Dr, Englert. “And we know that in our times of need, others have supported us.”
Doty’s funeral arrangements have not been announced. We will let you know as soon as they are.
York County Sheriff’s Department sergeants Randy Clinton and Buddy Brown remain in the hospital tonight. We’re told Brown has another surgery tomorrow.
