Fundraiser Held For Deputy Collins, Dorner Shooting Victim

YUCAIPA (CBSLA.com) — A fundraiser to benefit Deputy Alex Collins -- believed to be the last person shot by Christopher Dorner -- was held Saturday evening in Yucaipa.

The fundraiser, attended by Collins and his wife Lila and son Benjamin, was held at the Hickory Ranch Steakhouse & Sports Bar (32971 Yucaipa Boulevard.)

The staff of the restaurant and bar put the event together and told customers to come in between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. "Ten percent of the day's sales total will go directly to Deputy Collins. Thank you for your support! There will also be a donation station for those who would like to make additional donations," was printed on one of the restaurant's fliers.

When Collins arrived to the fundraiser, he got a huge and warm welcome, reported KCAL9's Rachel Kim.

While Collins is not yet allowed to talk to the media, plenty of people were happy to talk for, and about, him.

Fundraiser organizer Joanna Shedd said, "He went out there and put himself on the line so we can walk safely on the streets every day. So this is the least we can do for him."

Shedd's husband works with Collins at the Sheriff's Department. "We just wanted to give Alex something back," she said. "We wanted to make sure they had enough to get through this very long process."

Collins has undergone several surgeries and is scheduled to enter a physical rehabilitation facility. He sustained serious injuries in the shootout with Dorner; the same ambush that claimed the life of Detective Jeremiah MacKay.

Stan McCauley came to the fundraiser to show his support. "It's good to be here to support fellow officers. The month of February was very tough. I just thank God, Alex is doing better and better every day."

A Facebook page -- created to show Collins' progress -- has two graphic photos of injuries to his leg and arm. But many of the pics also depict Collins trying to resume a normal life.

In some of the shots, Collins is also wearing an Angels cap. Causing one fan to quip, "I'm so glad you're still here! But I have one tiny request? Can you change that hat to a Dodger one lol"