Donations Sought For Injured Round Rock Police Officer

ROUND ROCK, TX — The Round Rock Police Officers Association is accepting donations in support of an injured officer still hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle while directing traffic last month.

Charles Whites, an 18-year veteran of the force, was struck on Feb. 25 by an impaired driver while directing drivers away from the scene of an auto-pedestrian fatality. The officer remains in serious condition after sustaining head and internal injuries with several broken bones.

"Officer Whites suffered a head injury and remains mostly unresponsive with additional internal injuries and several bone fractures," officials said. "While family, friends and coworkers are optimistic for a full recovery, it will be a slow process involving initial rehabilitation in Austin, with plans to move this work to Houston as he continues to improve."

Members of the officer's family will temporarily relocate to south Austin and then to the Houston area to support him as he recovers, officials said.

Related story: Driver Charged After Hitting Round Rock Officer Directing Traffic

While the officers medical care is being paid through applicable coverage and he is receiving a full salary via workers’ compensation and a city supplement, many unforeseen expenses that will be incurred by his entire family, law enforcement officials said. As a result, donations are being accepted by the Round Rock Police Officers Association.

Those wishing to help can do so in a number of ways:

• A web page has been set up to accept donations for Charles at the following site, accessible by clicking here.
• PayPal account holders can send money to the Round Rock Police Foundation at this email address: admin@roundrockpolicefoundation.org. Be sure to include in the memo “Charles Whites and his Family.”
• Checks can be made payable to: Round Rock Police Foundation with a memo line note “The Benefit of Charles Whites and his family.”
• Donations may also be dropped off at the Round Rock Police Department (2701 North Mays), or mailed to the following address: Round Rock Police Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 424, Round Rock, TX 78680.

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