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MHP trooper shot in Evaro continues recovery

Posted at 8:47 AM, Apr 16, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-16 12:09:29-04
Trooper Wade Palmer
Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Wade Palmer was shot and critically wounded in Evaro on 3.15.19. (MTN News photo)

HELENA – The Montana Highway Patrol trooper who was shot several times last month in Evaro is continuing his recovery in a Utah hospital.

Trooper Wade Palmer continues to receive medical treatment at University Hospital in Salt Lake City.

According to a press release, he is showing indications that he recognizes certain people and things. However, all of his interactions remain non-verbal.

Montana Department of Justice spokesman John Barnes states that Trooper Palmer continues to interact with hand gestures and facial expressions but the extent of how much he understands remains unknown at this time.

Trooper Palmer continues to undergo physical therapy to strengthen his left arm and leg and limited movement has been detected on his right side, according to Barnes.

The Stevensville resident is scheduled to have the wiring and screws from his reconstructive jaw surgery removed this week.

“The tasks that you or I take for granted have become much more significant for Wade,” said Colonel Tom Butler, chief of the Montana Highway Patrol. “His brain is becoming more aware of the sensory input and is relearning how to connect the dots, so to speak.”

Trooper Palmer was shot in the neck, face, and head, after locating the suspect involved in an earlier shooting that injured two and killed one in Missoula on March 15.

He was transported to Saint Patrick Hospital in critical condition and eventually flown to Salt Lake City.

The Montana Highway Patrol has created a webpage with information about the shooting.