CHP Officer Shot in Leg Released from Hospital

By David Hernandez

Source The San Diego Union-Tribune

A California Highway Patrol officer who was shot in the leg last week during a struggle with a driver on Interstate 8 in Mission Valley was released from the hospital and is recovering at home, the agency said Sunday.

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The CHP did not release any new details about the investigation into the shooting, which happened about 6:20 p.m. Thursday while Officer Tony Pacheco and the driver, Yuhao Du, struggled for control of the officer's gun.

Pacheco had encountered Du after Du crashed his vehicle into a center median just east of Interstate 805. The CHP said Du lunged for Pacheco's weapon suddenly and without provocation seconds after the officer approached Du.

During the struggle, one round went off, hitting Pacheco in his right thigh. It was unclear who fired the round.

Pacheco and Du continued to struggle over the gun until good Samaritans helped restrain Du.

Some of them also provided medical aid to the officer. One man, Travis Almond, said he wrapped a sweatshirt, and then a belt, like a tourniquet around the officer's leg.

The CHP said Pacheco, who has been with the agency for seven years, is expected to fully recover.

A GoFundMe page created to raise funds for Pacheco's family — he has two small children and his wife is pregnant — was updated Friday with a message from the officer.

"My wife and I are humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support we have received," Pacheco said in a statement. "We'd like to thank everyone who has assisted us during this difficult time. From the donors, to the hospital staff, coworkers, friends, family, law enforcement, and everyone who assisted on scene. Thank you for all the love and support."

Du, a graduate student studying physics at UC San Diego, was scheduled to be arraigned Friday on three felony charges, including attempted murder of a police officer, but he was not brought to court because of undisclosed medical reasons. His arraignment was re-scheduled for Tuesday.

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