Wilmington Police Officer Justin Wilkers, who was shot in the face last weekend, has been released from the hospital as he continues to recover.
Police lined up outside Christiana Hospital in Newark as Wilkers was released Saturday afternoon. His mother, Shirley Shea asked for prayers.
Wilkers underwent surgery this week. Doctors left the bullet in place for now. It caused no apparent brain or nerve injury.
Wilkers was shot Feb. 3 when he and his partner tried to pull over a white Chevy Equinox for an equipment violation, according to police. The driver of the Chevy allegedly refused to stop and the officers pursued the vehicle.
Police say the SUV finally stopped on the 1200 block of Peach Street. It was then that at least one of three suspects opened fire, striking 34-year-old officer Justin Wilkers in the left jaw as he exited his police vehicle, according to investigators.
The three-year veteran of the Wilmington Police Department was rushed to Wilmington Hospital before being transferred to Christiana Hospital. The following Tuesday he underwent surgery to remove the bullet that was lodged in his face.
All three suspects ran away following the shooting while officers ran after them. Jared Wiggins, 20, and Ronald Boyce, 21, were caught and arrested a short time later. The third suspect, identified as Fredrick Gray, 21, of Wilmington, was found walking near W. 6th and N. Jefferson Streets Monday night. He was arrested and taken into custody without incident.
Police have not determined which of the three was the shooter. They do believe that Wiggins was the driver however.
Wilkers is married with two young children.
