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DENVER –Denver police officer John Adsit underwent more surgery Thursday and remained in critical but stable condition Thursday night.

He was one of four Denver police officers who were hit by a car while escorting students from East High School who walked out of class Wednesday morning.

The officers were taken to Denver Health Medical Center for treatment. Denver Police Chief Robert White said two officers had minor injuries, one was listed as serious and the fourth had “extremely” critical injuries.

Adsit was in surgery for several hours Wednesday and doctors continued to work to save his life into Wednesday night. Finally, some good news at about 6:15 p.m.

Friends of Officer Adsit turned to the web Thursday to help raise money for the patrolman and his family. They set up a GoFundMe page where people can donate money to help with medical bills, family needs, and unexpected costs.

Denver Police Officer John Adsit. (Photo: DPD Facebook page)
Denver Police Officer John Adsit. (Photo: DPD Facebook page)

His family thanked the community for thoughts and prayers on his behalf. “Please continue to pray as we trust the Lord for a complete recovery,” his family’s statement said.

Adsit has been with the Denver Police Department for nine years.

The other three officers were treated and released Wednesday afternoon.

A source identified one of the three as Officer Darren Ulrich.  The other officers have not been identified.

All were officers with District 6 Mall Unit and were riding bicycles at the time.  Three of the officers were classmates in the academy together and have nine years of service with DPD, while one has been with the force for 17 years, police tweeted.

White said the driver of the black Mercedes who hit the officers appeared to have suffered from “some form of illness,” but he declined to give specifics.

Cmdr. Matt Murray said the driver was also in stable condition at Denver Health.

Witnesses at the scene said they saw four mangled bicycles. Around a dozen emergency vehicles arrived to help.

“This is not our best day,” White said, adding that he hoped the community would keep the officers “in your thoughts and prayers.”

The officers were escorting hundreds of students who staged a walkout from East High to protest the Ferguson, Mo. grand jury decision.

SLIDESHOW: Colfax shut down as students march in Ferguson protest

About 500 students left East High, which is near Colfax and York Street, and walked west on Colfax toward downtown. They dispersed in downtown, but regathered at Colfax and Broadway.

The students then walked east on Colfax back toward East High. It was during the walk back that the officers were hit.

Denver Police escorted students using bicycles, motorcycles and police cruisers.

In a note sent to parents, East High School principal Andy Mendelsberg confirmed he joined students during the walkout with police to help “ensure the students’ safety.” He also acknowledged that “some students may have witnessed this incident.”

  • Students walked down Colfax Avenue headed back to East High School
    Students walked down Colfax Avenue headed back to East High School
  • Denver Police provided an escort for the students using motorcycles, bicycles and police cruisers.
    Denver Police provided an escort for the students using motorcycles, bicycles and police cruisers.
  • FOX31 Denver reporter Jon Bowman took this photo near Colfax Avenue and Humboldt. The officers were hit a few minutes later.
    FOX31 Denver reporter Jon Bowman took this photo near Colfax Avenue and Humboldt. The officers were hit a few minutes later near High Street.
  • Protesters stopped to watch as the four officers paramedics treated the four officers.
    Protesters stopped to watch as the four officers paramedics treated the four officers.
  • Four Denver Police officers were hit by a vehicle while escorting student protesters.
    Four Denver Police officers were hit by a vehicle while escorting student protesters.
  • The car that hit the officers was a black Merecedes. Police said the driver had an "illness" when the officers were hit.
    The car that hit the officers was a black Merecedes. Police said the driver had an "illness" when the officers were hit.

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