Cedar Park Officer Shot In Standoff Released From Hospital

CEDAR PARK, TX — The Cedar Park Police Department officer still hospitalized after being shot during a standoff over the weekend is expected to be released on Wednesday from the medical facility where he was undergoing treatment, officials said.

"The Cedar Park Police Department is anticipating the release of Officer Nik Anderson from St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center within the next hour," a police department spokesperson wrote in an email sent at 11:36 a.m. on Wednesday. Later, the release was modified to 2 p.m.

Anderson has worked at the local police department for eight years. The two other officers who were shot in an exchange of some 50 rounds of gunfire on Sunday at a home along Natalia Cove were treated and quickly released in the immediate aftermath of the standoff. They previously were identified as Jacqueline Quiles, who has been on the local police force for four years, and Cris Hester, a 10-year veteran with the local police department.

Previous coverage:

• Cedar Park Hostage Situation Ends; 1 Officer Remains Hospitalized
• Cedar Park Standoff Suspect, Injured Officers Identified

The officers' injuries stem from an incident that occurred around 3:10 p.m. Sunday when they were dispatched to a home in the 2300 block of Natalie Cove after a woman called police to report her son had kicked in the door while acting aggressively. Officer entered the home before being caught in gunfire, prompting them to return fire as they exited the house.

The suspect, identified by police as Joseph DeSean Taylor, 26, barricaded himself in the home while taking three family members hostage before surrendering peacefully after about 16 hours, police said at the time. After being transported to the hospital for unspecified medical treatment, Taylor was booked into the Williamson County Jail after being charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a public servant and three counts of aggravated kidnapping, according to jail records.

As the officers continue to recover, local clubs have launched fundraising efforts to help defray medical costs and related expenses. Inns pointed to a handful of fundraising efforts launched to benefit the injured officers:

• The 100 Club of Central Texas has launched a fund for Anderson, the most seriously injured officer among the three. "Your support is essential in helping The Club stand ready for those who stand ready for you," club officials wrote on a 100 Club of Central Texas portal. Donations can be made at the website or mailed to the club's Austin office located at 3200 Steck Ave. Suite 240, Austin, TX 78757.
• The Cedar Park Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association also has launched a fundraiser through GoFundMe. At last check, the drive had raised $3,200 from among more than 40 donors of a $3,000 goal. "Your contribution will assist them and their families in any assistance they may need while the officers are recovering," organizer Linda McKinsey wrote. "All funds will go directly to the officers involved in the incident."
• Cedar Park Heroes Recovery Fund has raised $1,120 of a $30,000 goal as of Tuesday evening.

Editor's note: GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.