Palm Springs Police Hold Blood Drive For Wounded Officer

A northern California police officer injured in the line of duty got some help from the Palm Springs police department.

The department held a blood drive Thursday for Fremont police Officer Todd Young. Young and another officer were in plainclothes when they tried to serve an arrest warrant on 20-year-old Andrew Barrientos on Friday in Oakland.

Authorities say Barrientos opened fire, hitting the 39-year-old Young in the pelvic region. Young remains hospitalized in serious but stable condition.

According to doctors — Young has already gone through surgery once and will probably need to do so a couple more times.

Doctors said Young lost a significant amount of blood. He has gone through over 60 units of blood.

Palm Springs Police organized their blood drive in less than two days.

“I had to go open a training center room so they could wait in an air conditioned area rather than out here in the heat because they’re was such a long waiting list,” said Palm Springs police officer Rhonda Long.

“I’ve donated blood here many times and I’ve never seen it this busy. Usually you just come in and go out that door but today there was a waiting period so it’s a great turnout,” said officer Gil Vega.

The Community Blood Bank has arranged to accept donations on the officer’s behalf and will work with a Northern California company to get the blood to him, Long said.

Residents who plan to donate blood are asked to indicate the donation is intended for Young.

“We’re praying for him and all our love and prayers to the family to the wife and the children,” said Anna Mezquia, of Palm Desert.

A massive manhunt for Barrientos ended Saturday afternoon when Barrientos surrendered just a few feet from the U.S.-Mexico border.

He has been charged with attempted murder.