Wounded CHP Officer Undergoes Tracheotomy

Critically wounded CHP Officer Rafael “Ralph” Casillas--shot last week by an ex-convict--underwent a tracheotomy and several more tests Thursday and doctors said they expect the 31-year-old to remain in intensive care for several more weeks.

Casillas, who is listed in critical condition at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, was shot in the wrist, thigh and abdomen. He was returned to a respirator Tuesday; hospital officials said the tracheotomy was performed to make the breathing device more comfortable.

Doctors also conducted tests to determine whether Casillas is developing any infections, and he remained heavily sedated, CHP and hospital officials said.

“It’s going to be a long two weeks and it’s day to day,” said CHP Capt. Gregory Augusta, who oversees the Newhall area station where Casillas works. “Ralph is extremely strong, in good physical shape and he got to the hospital quickly. For all those reasons, I feel cautiously optimistic.”

Casillas was shot July 24 by Terry James Parker, a 25-year-old with a lengthy criminal past, who led the CHP on a pursuit to his house where he shot the officer on his doorstep. Parker then fled into the Granada Hills neighborhood, where he hid from police, and then shot himself shortly before pursuing officers shot and killed him.