“I’ve heard the word ‘severed,’” Scott said about the spinal injury. “But there will have to be additional analysis after the swelling goes down. He can’t move anything below his neck, but he can move his head. He’s very alert.”

Scott said the department had waited to announce the extent of Flamion’s injuries because the situation was “fluid.”

Sarah Flamion faced cameras to thank the community for its outpouring of support, calling the response “overwhelming.”

Civilians who reached Flamion first were key to saving his life, Scott said. A man who lived nearby called 911 and performed CPR. A runner stopped to assist, as did a passing motorist who happened to be a nurse.

Arriving police used a “clot pack” dressing to stop the bleeding, and Metro West Fire Protection District paramedics provided their advanced skills.

“There are so many people who stepped in to keep him breathing from the time the shooting happened to the time he made it to the hospital who should be credited,” Scott said.

Flamion had stopped a speeder about 11 a.m. and was walking back to his patrol vehicle to make a records check when the driver got out and opened fire from behind with a .22-caliber pistol, officials said.