SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Police Sergeant shot in the head following a routine call continues to improve. After two weeks at Scripps La Jolla, Sergeant Anthony Elliot is now heading to a special neurology center in Colorado.
He was transferred out of state Thursday for some specialized treatment because he still cannot walk.
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 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.
President of the San Diego Police Officers Association Sergeant Jared Wilson said the officer still has a bullet in his brain and doesn't have movement in the left side of his body.
"He is so thankful to be alive, but it is an incredibly traumatic experience," Wilson said.
Wilson said the officer will take awhile to fully recover.
"We appreciate the City and the Police Chief sending him to the best treatment possible. He does have a long road, but he's brave and we're so proud of him and so glad he's still with us today," Wilson said.
The family says they are profoundly thankful for the overwhelming support. The couple have two young sons together.
"He's made a huge sacrifice for our community, and it hasn't gone unnoticed," Gerry Paiva said, who lives in 4S Ranch.
Other community members agreed.
"We just wish him all the best and hope he gets better soon," Bryan Murphy added.
CBS 8 wishes the officer a speedy recovery and made a card for community members to sign for Elliott.
WATCH RELATED: SDPD Officer wounded in 4S Ranch shooting