Rigby Police Department Thanks Nurse For Defending Its Unconscious Officer

Rigby Police Officer William Gray caught on fire after a collision.

Idaho Police Thanks Utah Nurse Alex Wubbels, Calls It A Heroic Act

Rigby, Idaho – The Rigby Police Department identified the patient at the center of a national controversy when a nurse was unlawfully arrested for not cooperating with a blood draw.

Rigby reserve Officer William Gray was injured on July 26 at around 2 PM when a Utah Highway Patrol officer was in pursuit of a pickup truck on ST 89/91 near Sardine Canyon, according to Salt Lake Tribune.

While fleeing, the pickup truck crashed into a semi-truck head-on, causing an explosion.

The pickup driver, Marcos Torres, 26, died on scene. Officer William Gray was driving the semi, and he exited his vehicle while he was on fire. He was transported to University Hospital in Salt Lake City for treatment.

A Salt Lake City Police detective attempted to get a blood draw from Gray while he was unconscious in the hospital, which nurse Alex Wubbels didn’t agree to. (Full story HERE.)

The Rigby Police Department has now thanked nurse Alex Wubbels for her actions when police showed up at the University of Utah hospital.

“The Rigby Police Department would like to thank the nurse involved and hospital staff for standing firm, and protecting Officer Gray’s rights as a patient and victim. Protecting the rights of others is truly a heroic act,” Rigby Police said on Facebook.

“The Rigby Police Department would also like to acknowledge the hard work of the involved agencies, and trusts that this unfortunate incident will be investigated thoroughly, and appropriate action will be taken,” the Rigby police said in its post.

“It is important to remember that Officer Gray is the victim in this horrible event, and that at no time was he under any suspicion of wrongdoing. As he continues to heal, we would ask that his family be given privacy, respect, and prayers for continued recovery and peace.”

The Facebook post had 3,300 “likes” on Facebook and was shared 1,738 times. The Rigby Police have 1,373 followers on Facebook.

Two Salt Lake City police officers have been placed on administrative leave as the incident is investigated, according to WTSP TV.

Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown and Mayor Jackie Biskupski issued a joint statement condemning the actions of the detective who arrested nurse Alex Wubbels.

A GoFundMe has been set up for Officer Gray’s medical bills HERE.