Etowah County Veterinarian Recalls Shooting, Rescue from Burning Animal Clinic
Associated Press
2008-04-29 15:14:42.0
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Shot and beaten by men who allegedly broke into his veterinary clinic, set it afire and left him to die, Dr. Jerry Handley pleaded with a 911 operator to send help quickly.
Help finally came, and Handley was dragged out of the burning building by the sheriff. Now, authorities in Etowah County are trying to find the apparent burglars who nearly killed the veterinarian.
Handley told the Gadsden Times he went to a store in Centre on Thursday night and decided to check the office on his way home in Hokes Bluff. He went in a side door and noticed some doors open that should not have been.
Sheriff's Department Chief Investigator Michael Jones said Handley returned to his truck to retrieve his gun. He said Handley's office had been targeted by burglars in the past.
Inside, he confronted two males and got into a struggle with one suspect before he was shot in the arm and leg and was hit in the head by a second man.
Handley was airlifted to Birmingham's University Hospital. He is expected to make a full recovery.
The Sheriff's Department cannot offer a reward, but an informant's fee of $1,000 is available.
Handley said emergency responders and the 911 system worked well, but he believes God was watching over him.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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