Can You Help? Update After High-Speed Chase Injures Cochise County Sheriff Deputy

A surge in high-speed chases has become a growing threat in Cochise County. Every day, law enforcement has seen a marked uptick in human trafficking and smugglers, which lead to high-speed chases that often end in injury or fatality.

The smuggling attempts are illegal and dangerous to the public. Throughout Arizona, all members of law enforcement are responsible for reducing the threat to public safety as quickly and safely as possible.

Recently, the threat in Cochise County brought the danger into stark relief as a deputy was injured as he was assisting a stop.

Cochise County Sheriff's Office Deputy Injured in High-Speed Crash

On September 28th, members of the Cochise County Sheriff's Office attempted to stop a smuggler fleeing law enforcement.

According to the Cochise County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, during the high-speed chase, Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Oletski was injured in the process of deploying the spikes used to deflate the tires of the fleeing vehicle.

From the CCSO Page:

The procedure went awry when the deputy fell 15 feet down into a ravine. Life-saving efforts were administered to Deputy Oleski. When he was stabilized, he was flown to a Tucson trauma center by helicopter.

A Difficult Recovery

On October 1st, Sheriff Mark Dannels met with the Oleski family for an update on his prognosis. According to the CCSO Facebook page, Sheriff Dannels shared:

“I met with the OLETSKI family...and they reiterated their request for privacy during this very difficult time.

The family...provided a medical update indicating complications have arisen in Chris’ care resulting in significant challenges moving forward with his medical pathway.

We would ask for your positive thoughts and prayers for Chris’ recovery and blessings to his family, loved ones, and friends as they navigate through these dark times.”

If you'd like to help, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office has established a GoFundMe account to help the family remain by the deputy's side in Tucson during his recovery.