By Diana Hefley, Herald Writer
EVERETT - The family of an Everett police officer who was seriously injured in a crash Sunday says the police dog handler's condition is improving, but Suzanne Eviston has a long road ahead of her.
"Suzanne has had a difficult couple of days," the family said in a statement released Tuesday. "It is unknown at this time what additional treatment or surgeries that Suzanne may need to undergo during the recovery process."
Eviston, 37, on Tuesday remained at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where she was in serious condition in the intensive care unit. She has been able to speak with her parents, brother and a sister, who drove in from British Columbia, where she grew up, Everett police Sgt. Robert Goetz said.
Eviston was quick to ask about her partner, Axle, a German shepherd police dog, Goetz said.
A 10-year veteran of the Everett Police Department, Eviston suffered multiple broken bones involving her ribs, shoulder and pelvis. Axle suffered a broken leg. He remained under the care of a veterinarian Tuesday.
Investigators believe Alan Waterman, 19, deliberately slammed into Eviston's patrol car while trying to flee from an attempted burglary. Eviston was driving to a construction site after police received a call about a possible break-in.
Waterman, a convicted felon, told detectives he was high on meth when he fled the construction site, police wrote in court documents. He said he lost control of the stolen Jeep Cherokee he was driving and didn't intentionally ram Eviston's cruiser, according to a police affidavit.
Waterman was booked into the Snohomish County Jail for investigation of first-degree assault in connection with the crash. He also is being held for investigation of first-degree theft, second-degree burglary, drug possession and an outstanding theft warrant.
Two other Everett men, both 20, also were arrested in connection with the burglary at the job site. Police believe the trio was attempting to steal copper wire.
There has been an outpouring of support for the well-liked police officer.
"We want officer Eviston and her family to know that her city family is thinking about her and is sending her many well wishes for a speedy recovery," Mayor Ray Stephanson said.
Chad Haverfield on Tuesday was anxious to send his support to Eviston. Haverfield has been a tow truck driver for Dick's Towing for six years.
"I've worked with her from scene to scene," he said. "She's one of those pleasant people you don't forget. I just wanted to let her know there's a wide variety of people who are concerned for her well-being and future."
Eviston's parents, brother and sisters on Tuesday extended their gratitude to her fellow officers, her boyfriend, her friends and the community.
"We are truly thankful for everyone who has helped us and Suzanne through the first days of what is sure to be a long road to recovery," they wrote. "We ask that people continue to pray for Suzanne's recovering and for all law enforcement officers around the world who put their lives on the line in order for us to feel safe in our communities."
Herald writer Jackson Holtz contributed to this report.
