LA deputy shot in Compton ambush released from hospital

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Authorities have announced that one of the deputies who was injured following the ambush in Compton has been released from the hospital and on his way to recovery.
• Though the second officer who helped save his partner’s life is still in the hospital, she is reportedly out of the intensive care unit and doing great. 
• Both officers received multiple injuries to the head and neck after an unknown gunman approached their patrol vehicle and opened fire.

One of two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies who were wounded in the weekend shooting in Compton is now out of the hospital, authorities say.

“Great news, one of those deputies was released from the hospital today,” tweeted Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva Wednesday night adding that although the 24-year-old officer has a long road ahead for recovery, “He’s not alone. We, as a community, are in this together.”

The second officer only identified as a 31-year-old mother remains hospitalized on Thursday. Both deputies were seated inside a patrol vehicle on Saturday outside the MLK Transit Center in Compton when an unidentified gunman walked to their car and shot them multiple times, sustaining injuries in the face and head.

CNN reported that the female officer was being hailed as a hero for placing a tourniquet to her partner’s wound which helped save his life and calmly calling for help despite bleeding from a gunshot wound to her face. While her condition remains unclear, she is expected to recover.

Earlier in the day, Villanueva announced in a community meeting that both deputies were moved from the intensive care unit and that their prognosis is good.  

“They are going to face additional surgeries to repair all the damage inflicted, but thankfully they escaped, you know, a life altering injury,” added the sheriff.

While an investigation is ongoing for the gunman whose motives remain unknown, a reward offered for information in the case has already reached over $100,000.

“We at @LASDHQ appreciate the outpouring of prayers and support you have shown for our ambushed deputies,” posted Villanueva on Twitter.

A GoFundMe campaign that was organized to help the wounded deputies said: “We are asking for our brothers and sisters in our communities as well as our brothers and sisters in law enforcement to come together and help us raise money to ensure their needs and the needs of their families are taken care of.”

As of Wednesday evening, the fundraiser combined with an account set up by the deputies’ colleagues has already raised $574,244 out of its $750,000 goal.

Source: AOL.Com