PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A Washington County deputy is still recovering from being shot while serving a court-ordered eviction notice in Tualatin last week, according to authorities.
Officials say Civil Deputy Charles Dozé awaits several surgeries at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center after he was shot seven times on July 26. Although body armor stopped three bullets in his upper torso, he was shot once in both arms – breaking them. Two shots in his head also caused Dozé to suffer the loss of his left eye and multiple teeth.
“He’s doing remarkable. This is a miracle in itself,” his daughter, Kaela Dozé, said. “I don’t know who gets shot seven times, two to the head, and can talk and walk.”
On July 28, Dozé was listed as being in serious but stable condition, officials said — noting the deputy wanted to share that he is working hard to recover.
“The Washington County Sheriff’s Office continues to be overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from across the state, but especially from our own community,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release. “No words can express our gratitude for the acts of kindness, warm wishes, and support we have received for Deputy Dozé and the rest of our WCSO family.”
The Washington County Police Officer Association set up a GoFundMe donation page for Deputy Dozé, who is known as “Chuck” to friends. Additional donations can be made through any US Bank location, WCSO said. Provide customer service with Dozé’s name and that you are donating to his charity account.
“Deputy Dozé and his family want to thank the community for their outpouring of support and let everyone know how much he and his family appreciate the love they have received,” WSCO said in a press release.
Dozé is one of Washington County’s civil deputies, a group that is dressed and armed like other deputies, but typically focuses on serving processes of the court like restraining orders, subpoenas, and evictions.
According to the Beaverton Police Department, deputies went to the Timbers at Tualatin apartments complex to serve a court-ordered eviction notice to 34-year-old Kristafer Graves just before 10:30 a.m. That’s when the man allegedly opened fire on them before the deputies could even reach him, striking Dozé in the process.
“It was heart wrenching,” Kaela said. “This is one of your worst fears and it’s always in the back of your mind.”
Deputy Dozé has been with the sheriff’s office for 10 years after he found a new calling.
“He was in sales before, so he made a big jump. A big career change at 59, 60.” she said. “My dad said this in the hospital room, that if he knew this was going to be the end result, he still would’ve signed up. That’s how much he’s dedicated to this job and helping the community.”
Stay with KOIN 6 as this story develops.
