Deputy Dalton Swinganger Recounts Brutal Rock Attack and Coma Ordeal

The Brutal Attack on Deputy Swinganger

• 💥 Deputy Dalton Swinganger and his partner, Deputy Kurtner, responded to a shots fired call involving a domestic dispute, confronting an aggressive suspect in a dark, pitch-black woodline.
• 🪨 The suspect began throwing objects, and Deputy Swinganger was struck by what felt like a green firework exploding in his face, causing overwhelming pain to his head and his entire body to lock up.
• 🚨 He initially couldn't move, feared he had been shot, and was panicking while trying to raise his rifle in case the assailant was advancing.

Coma Experience: Hearing and Confusion

• 🧠 During his coma, Deputy Swinganger could hear people's voices but felt trapped in a prison of his own head, unable to respond or perceive time.
• 💭 He described a dreamlike state with traumatic hallucinations, including visualizing a concrete hallway and being urged to keep breathing to survive.
• ⚠️ The most terrifying aspect was the profound confusion and hearing loved ones' voices, some of which sounded like they were telling him goodbye.

Comfort and Despair in the Coma

• 💔 Hearing loved ones say goodbye was horrific, as he desperately wanted to scream back that he wasn't leaving but was powerless to communicate.
• 🫂 He felt the despair and hurt of those around him, wanting to comfort them but being unable to respond to their words.
• ✨ A comforting moment was hearing his wife, Stefania, repeatedly say, "I'm here, honey," which provided solace amidst the traumatic hallucinations and nightmares.

Partner's Account of the Attack

• 👮‍♂️ Deputy Matthew Kurtner, Swinganger's partner, also got hit by a rock but initially thought the rock that struck Swinganger had just hit the ground.
• 🚑 Upon hearing Deputy Swinganger groaning, Kurtner turned to find him on the ground and immediately focused on getting him out of the danger zone.
• 💪 Kurtner grabbed Swinganger's hand and dragged him out of the woods, during which Swinganger felt something pouring over his head.