BALLWIN, Mo. _ Police Chief Kevin Scott announced publicly Monday what much of the region's law enforcement community knew for more than a week: Wounded Ballwin Officer Michael Flamion is paralyzed from the neck down.
Sarah Flamion stood beside Scott and, as she realized his narrative about her husband was approaching that word, sobbed and turned away, into the arms of a solemn-faced Mayor Tim Pogue.
If not for quick care from passers-by and paramedics, Scott explained, Michael Flamion would have died on the pavement of New Ballwin Road near his patrol car, where he was shot by surprise in the neck July 8 after making what seemed like a routine traffic stop.
He has not been able to breathe on his own since.
Scott said the 31-year-old officer is alert and communicating with visitors at Mercy Hospital St. Louis in Creve Coeur by nodding and trying to mouth words.
"He can make sounds, and his wife knows every single word he says," Scott said in an interview later Monday. Flamion will require "extensive long-term care" for "catastrophic" spinal cord damage, the chief said, and has not had any surgery.
"I've heard the word 'severed,'" Scott said about the spinal injury. "But there will have to be additional analysis after the swelling goes down. He can't move anything below his neck, but he can move his head. He's very alert."
Scott said the department had waited to announce the extent of Flamion's injuries because the situation was "fluid."
Sarah Flamion faced cameras to thank the community for its outpouring of support, calling the response "overwhelming."
Civilians who reached Flamion first were key to saving his life, Scott said. A man who lived nearby called 911 and performed CPR. A runner stopped to assist, as did a passing motorist who happened to be a nurse.
Arriving police used a "clot pack" dressing to stop the bleeding, and Metro West Fire Protection District paramedics provided their advanced skills.
"There are so many people who stepped in to keep him breathing from the time the shooting happened to the time he made it to the hospital who should be credited," Scott said.
Flamion had stopped a speeder about 11 a.m. and was walking back to his patrol vehicle to make a records check when the driver got out and opened fire from behind with a .22-caliber pistol, officials said.
Antonio Taylor, 31, who was arrested a few miles away, in Manchester, a short time later, was charged with first-degree assault of a law enforcement officer, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a weapon. Taylor, of St. Louis, was held in lieu of $500,000 bail. He is due back in court July 27.
His motive has not been revealed, but he may have been trying to avoid being caught with a gun. He has a long criminal history, including gun-related crimes.
Scott referred questions about the investigation to St. Louis County police, who had no new information to offer Monday.
Flamion's injuries qualified him for financial assistance from the Catastrophic Injury Fund of the BackStoppers, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to the families of fallen first responders. A GoFundMe account was established for Flamion and his family by other Ballwin officers. He and his wife live in House Springs.
Scott said it is uncertain whether Flamion can ever go home. He remains in intensive care, on a ventilator, a feeding tube and IV fluids. "I don't know that we'll see much change," the chief noted.
Flamion will always remain a part of the force, Scott said. "We talked Saturday, and I told him how much I love him and how part of me is laying in that bed with him."
