On Oct. 4, two Auburn Police Department officers received awards and recognition for their life-saving response to a domestic violence shooting that left a woman wounded and put a 2-year-old child in danger.

On June 4, Officer Gustafson and Sgt. Anderson were dispatched just after 4 p.m. to reports of a possible domestic violence shooting. The officers did not have specific details of where the shooting had occurred, but based on information given by the reporting party and prior police contacts, they determined where the victim likely was.

Anderson and another officer conducted a welfare check in the apartment and found a victim of a gunshot in the bedroom who was “critically wounded,” according to the Medal of Live-Saving Recognition letter. Anderson called medics as they assessed the victim’s condition.

The victim was reportedly barely responsive. Anderson dressed the wound to stop the bleeding and to prevent contamination while communicating with the victim to try to keep her conscious. According to the letter of recognition, Anderson’s first aid efforts likely played a part in her survival before medics arrived.

Meanwhile, Gustafson confronted a subject outside of the apartment and they spoke for about 9 minutes as the other officers provided first-aid to the victim. Eventually, the suspect allegedly admitted to shooting his girlfriend, and Gustafson had probable cause to initiate the arrest.

However, the subject was holding a 2-year-old, complicating the situation. Eventually, Gustafson reasoned with the suspect and gained his compliance, then he was safely arrested.

Auburn Chief of Police Mark Caillier awarded Anderson with the lifesaving medal and Gustafson was given a letter of commendation.