Oceanside CA— OPD Motor-Officer Brad Hunter, a 29-year veteran of the Oceanside Police Department, attended a blood drive this morning that was being held to support him after he was injured on June 19, 2017. Officer Hunter and his wife, Vanessa, wanted to create something positive out of a difficult situation by coming together with the community to host a blood drive in an effort to help other trauma victims.

Between hugs from well-wishers, Officer Hunter, looking over his motorcycle, said he was feeling pretty good and was glad his bike came through the ordeal in good shape.
Last month, Officer Hunter was intentionally struck near the intersection of Foussat Road at Oceanside Blvd by a silver Dodge Neon driven by Roberto Ignacio Flores, 26, of San Marcos. Flores immediately fled the scene but responding officers were able to locate him at El Camino Real and Industry, several blocks from the incident. Flores has been charged with attempted Murder of a Police Officer and Felony Hit and Run.
Officer Hunter underwent extensive reconstructive surgery and was placed in a medically induced coma for 2 days due to a severe head injury.
The OPD blood drive continues through 6:00pm in the Oceanside Police Department parking lot, 3855 Mission Ave. “It’s going to get busier as the afternoon approaches and people get off work so we are encouraging donors to give blood at one of centers,”said Michele Corbett with the San Diego Blood Bank. “Appointments filled up fast but we have several centers in North County where people can go to donate.”

The blood drive for Officer Hunter will continue through July 31, 2017 at any San Diego Blood Bank Center or mobile unit. “Use the code OCPD when you donate and Officer Hunter will receive the credit,” said Ms. Corbett.
Donors are advised to drink plenty of fluids prior to donation. Maintain usual eating habits on the day of donation, avoiding fatty foods if possible. All donors must show picture identification. You can earn points every time you donate. Points can be redeemed for Amazon gift cards, movie tickets and much more.
For more information on the San Diego Blood Bank visit: http://www.sandiegobloodbank.org/
If you want to make a monetary donation, you may do so to the Oceanside Police Officer’s Association Foundation (OPOAF) [Here].