ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The community is rallying behind Chemung County Sheriff’s Investigator Michael Theetge, after he was critically injured in the line of duty on Friday. There was a fundraiser at Saturday’s Elmira River Sharks game to support Investigator Theetge and his family.  

After a successful event, the community will have another chance to step up and help during Wednesday’s River Sharks hockey game at First Arena. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and the puck drops at 7:00 p.m.

On Friday, members of the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office worked with New York State Police on a retail theft operation. Thirty-five year-old Investigator Theetge was chasing a suspect in the Target parking lot in Big Flats, towards a waiting getaway car.  

Police said, when Theetge and the suspect, 24-year-old Dominick Haley, were on the hood, the driver accelerated and threw them both.  

Investigator Theetge hit his head, suffered a skull fracture, and a brain bleed. Chemung County Sheriff Bill Schrom told WENY News on Monday that Theetge remains in critical condition.   

The Chemung County Deputy Sheriff’s Association will be collecting donations for Theetge and his family. Sergeant David Buchholz said any amount helps. 

“They’re going to set up a donation bin, right at security, and on your way in or out...you can donate as much or as little as you’d like,” he said. 

All the proceeds will go directly to Investigator Theetge and his family. Sgt. Buchholz said the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement are hoping for a speedy recovery for Theetge. 

“Every guy that puts on the uniform does to work every day...they do it because they love this community and especially Deputy Theetge,” he said. “He loved this community. We all love this community, and we all need to stick together and support our men and women in blue.”  

In addition to the fundraiser at First Arena on Wednesday, cash donations are also being accepted at Jams Fitness Center, located at 1570 Lake Street in Elmira. 

There is a T-shirt fundraiser, through Finger Lakes Sign and Design in Horseheads, as well. For every T-shirt purchase, $10 will go directly to Theetge. To purchase a T-shirt, click this link. 

To make a direct donation, email [email protected].