NEW YORK TIMES BEST-SELLING AUTHOR SHOT.
The New York Times
January 15, 2013
Best-selling author Richard Castle was admitted into the hospital early yesterday for gunshot related injuries.
An inside source told reporters that Mr. Castle was brought to Mount Sinai hospital via ambulance at approximately 5:45 in the evening. When Mr. Castle arrived, he was unconscious, and was rushed immediately into the OR. His family arrived shortly after and has only left for brief intervals in the time since he was first admitted.
Victoria Gates, Captain of the Twelfth Precinct's Homicide Division released a statement last night on behalf of the department:
"Earlier this evening, Mr. Richard Castle was injured during what was supposed to be the initial sweep of a crime scene. Mr. Castle suffered from two gunshot wounds, one to his side, and a graze on his arm, and was taken into medical custody as quickly as the situation allowed. The suspect has been apprehended and charged for the assault of a police officer with a deadly weapon. We send all of our best thoughts to Mr. Castle and his family at this time and hope for his speedy and uncomplicated recovery."
Mr. Castle's publicist released a similar statement on behalf of his family:
"Rick Castle was admitted to Mount Sinai Hospital earlier this evening and is currently unconscious but in stable condition. The bullet has been removed and he suffers from a broken wrist from the impact of hitting the ground and some minor cuts and bruises. He is expected to make a full recovery. His family wants to thank everyone for their concern and support, particularly for the members of the NYPD that risked their lives to protect his, and they ask that they be given privacy during this time so Rick can heal quickly and in peace."
The aforementioned source reported that Detective Kate Beckett, inspiration for Mr. Castle's "Nikki Heat" series and now girlfriend of the writer, arrived in the ambulance with the author and has not left his side since he was moved into recovery. The detective suffered minor injuries during the shootout, but is apparently refusing to accept medical attention until the writer wakes up.
This is not the first time the writer and detective have dealt with gunshot wounds. Just over a year and a half ago, Kate Beckett suffered at the grip of her own bullet, a gunshot wound straight to the chest by what was reportedly a sniper at her late Captain Roy Montgomery funeral in May 2011. She has since made a full recovery.
A witness of the shooting told reporters that after Mr. Castle fell to the ground, Kate Beckett placed her own body between Mr. Castle's and the shooter, essentially turning herself into a human shield while she tried to control the bleeding.
In other news, I'm so happy you guys are excited for this concept! I hope I can live up to your expectations.