SAN DIEGO — A San Diego police sergeant who was seriously injured during a shooting in 4S Ranch has been identified by the San Diego Police Officer’s Association.
Sergeant Anthony Elliott, a six-year member of the San Diego Police Department, was shot in the head on Dec. 7 during a shootout with a suspect at the 4S Commons Town Center parking lot in 4S Ranch.
According to the San Diego Police Officers Association, Elliott sustained a severe head injury and remains in critical care.
“We want to extend our heartfelt support to his wife, Laura, and their two children, a 3-year-old boy and almost 1-year-old boy, who are holding onto hope and strength during this incredibly challenging time of his recovery,” reads a statement from the San Diego Police Officer Association.
The San Diego Police Officers Association is asking the public for donations to help the Elliott family as Sergeant Anthony Elliott begins recovery.
“It’s an understatement to say that Anthony is an extremely well-liked and respected Sergeant. He has given his heart and soul to the department for the past 6 years. He gets up every day hellbent on being better than he was the day before,” Sergeant Elliott’s wife Laura said in a statement posted to the fundraiser website.
“Most people run away from danger, and he has chosen to run towards it. He is a true hero, and I am beyond proud of him,” the statement continued.
According to the San Diego Sheriff's Department, the agency investigating the shooting, the suspect, Curtis Harris, was approached inside a store at the shopping center before running outside.
In the parking lot the suspect fired at an officer, striking the sergeant in the head. Surrounding officers fired, striking the man multiple times.
Harris was pronounced deceased around 1:00 a.m. on Dec. 8.
San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit told CBS 8 on Dec. 8 that the sergeant is expected to survive.
Nisleit said the shooting is now the third instance in the past few months where a police officer was shot at.
"This goes back to not holding criminals accountable, and victims of violent crimes losing their voice," Nisleit told CBS 8. "And it puts law enforcement in this position where the authority, the narrative about law enforcement creates an environment that's dangerous ... And if you have a suspect that's willing to shoot at police, they're willing to shoot at anybody.
Added Chief Nisleit, "Yes, we're a large city, but we've not seen this kind of violence towards law enforcement in my 35-year career that I can remember. And you can tell I'm kind of fed up with it, to be honest with you."
WATCH RELATED: San Diego Police Officer wounded in shooting in 4S Ranch, suspect is dead
