Los Angeles: During the Police Commission's board meeting, Chief William Bratton acknowledged six police officers and two paramedics who kept Officer Kristina Ripatti alive last Saturday night after she was shot by an armed robber. The chief also addressed his concern for a disturbing trend of assaults against officers.
Last Saturday, June 3, 2006, Officer Ripatti, 33, was shot critically by James McNeal, who had just robbed a gas station at gunpoint. Her partner, Officer Joe Meyer, 35, immediately returned fire and killed McNeal. One bullet went through Ripatti's arm, and the second one entered her chest near the armpit, above her ballistic vest.
Unfortunately, as of June 6, Officer Ripatti is showing signs of being paralyzed from the chest down and she is still in critical but stable condition.
The Kristi Ripatti Trustee Donation Account has been established at the Los Angeles Police Federal Credit Union (LAPFCU). Persons who would like to make a donation can make one payable to Kristi Ripatti or her husband Tim Pearce and mail to LAPFCU, 16150 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, CA 91410, or link to www.LAFCU.org.
For further information contact Sergeant Frank Preciado, Southwest Division, at 213-485-2580.
To Officer Ripatti's husband:
My wife was involved in an auto accident in 11/96 in Simi Valley, CA (car vs. palm tree at 50 mph). She sustained severe brain damage. was in a coma for several weeks, and doctors gave me no hope of recovery. In fact they told me she would not live through the night. Later when she came out of the coma I was offered assistance to find her a nice convalescent home to live out her days. I didn't believe that was going to be her future so we concentrated on rehab. Today she is 90% functioning and is at this moment making baked crispy chicken with veggies for our dinner.
It is early in your wife's recovery. So take what the doctors tell you with a grain of salt. Maybe they will be right, and hopefully they will not.
Posted by: Frank Ford | June 07, 2025 at 07:24 PM
Kristina and Tim, please know that there are so many of us who are deeply affected by what happened to you and will never forget. My heart is heavy as I know you have a long road ahead. Thank you for your sacrifice. As I wipe away the tears, I say a prayer for peace and recovery for you and your family. I know that miracles happen to good people. God bless you.
Posted by: Betty | June 11, 2025 at 05:41 AM
Thank you for putting your life on the line every single day for the better of this city. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. I have a family full of Firemen and Law Enforcement and I know the sacrifice you all make. God is good and I have faith in his abilities, take it one SECOND at a time and believe all things are possible. I’m praying for you.
Posted by: Rebecca Gotti | June 14, 2025 at 09:12 AM