'He has been a miracle': Phoenix Officer Tyler Moldovan opens eyes, is responsive after shooting

BrieAnna J. Frank, Arizona Republic
·1 min read
Tyler and Chelsea Moldovan.
Tyler and Chelsea Moldovan.

The wife of Phoenix Police Department Officer Tyler Moldovan issued a statement saying her husband has made "marvelous" progress since he was shot multiple times last month.

The Police Department tweeted an update from Chelsea Moldovan on Tuesday morning, in which she said her "world was shattered" when her husband, who is 22, was shot up to eight times early on the morning of Dec. 14.

"These past few weeks have been a blur," Moldovan wrote. "The emotional rollercoaster we have all been on has been unimaginable."

Moldovan said her husband has "extensive neurologic injuries" and he remains on a ventilator in stable condition.

She said her husband has opened his eyes, recognizes people around him and responds through facial expressions.

"We hold onto our faith that Tyler will continue to make progress," Moldovan wrote. "He has been a miracle already and the progress he has made in three weeks alone is marvelous; the impossible is being made possible."

Moldovan said her family is "overwhelmed" by the outpouring of support from the community in the weeks since the shooting, which has included a Phoenix Law Enforcement Association fundraiser and various tributes and vigils for her husband.

"We ask that you continue to lift Tyler up in your prayers for we have a mighty and loving God," she wrote.

Essa Williams, 24, was arrested on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder, resisting arrest and prohibited possession of a weapon in connection with the shooting.

Williams pleaded not guilty to the charges in late December, according to court records filed on Jan. 4.

An initial pretrial conference is scheduled for Feb. 14. Williams' trial starts on April 28.

Reach the reporter at bfrank@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8529. Follow her on Twitter @brieannafrank.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Officer Tyler Moldovan opens eyes, responsive after shooting