A San Diego County sheriff's detective, critically wounded in a Lakeside shootout three weeks ago, has taken a big step toward heading home from the hospital.
Ali Perez was shot at least twice with a high-powered gun including once in the stomach when he faced a suspect in a Lakeside apartment Sept. 25.
NBC 7 San Diego has learned that Perez moved Saturday from the intensive care unit at Sharp Memorial Hospital where he's been getting treatment since the shooting.
Perez has had several surgeries to repair severe damage to vital arteries in his arm, as well as some damage to his shoulder.
San Diego County Sheriff's Department spokesperson Jan Caldwell said colleagues were grateful to hear of this step in recovery but also said the deputy still has a long way to go.
Detective Ali Perez and Sgt. Craig Johnson were shot and injured after confronting suspect Dan Witczak, accused of possessing child porn, at his Lakeside apartment.
Johnson underwent surgery for a gunshot wound to the arm and was released from the hospital three days after the shooting.
Witczak, 30, pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted murder on a peace officer and/or firefighter when he was arraigned in his hospital bed on Sept. 27.
