Craig Town doesn’t have any ill will toward the man responsible for making him a quadriplegic.
A former Thunder Bay Police Service constable, Town was shot in 1991 by Donovan Miller, who grabbed the gun out of Town’s holster and shot the officer twice.
Miller was sentenced to 12 years in prison for shooting Town, but was arrested in 2006 for possession of a weapon and robbery. He was released from jail Friday, but will be under long-term supervision.
“It doesn’t bother me he’s released,” said Town. “At first I hated him, but after talking to my wife and discussing the whole situation, I realized hating him wasn’t hurting anybody but me. I don’t bear him any more ill will. He’s just a bad bump in the road.”
Town called the 1991 incident an unfortunate situation and said it was a fluke.
“(Miller) could be a really nice guy for all I know when he’s not on drugs or alcohol but when he is on drugs or alcohol, he’s a ticking time bomb. It could go off any time and somebody could get hurt,” said Town, adding that Miller is a victim of substance abuse.
“I just sincerely hope he gets his life straightened out.”
While the last two decades haven’t been completely pleasant, Town said he’s had tremendous support from his family and friends and he’s been able to do many things he never thought he’d be able to do. He’s even travelled to Scotland twice.
“I can’t complain as far as a person in my situation physically goes. I’m extremely fortunate. I have a beautiful house to live in and I don’t have to live in an institution,” he said.
Town receives 24-hour nursing through WSIB as well as financial support so he can look after his family.
