Condition of CHP Officer Wounded in Shooting Improves
The condition of California Highway Patrol Officer Rafael “Ralph” Casillas, shot and critically wounded in July during a traffic stop, has improved and he has been moved to a private hospital, officials said Tuesday.
Casillas, who was moved from Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center on Monday evening, was taken to USC University Hospital where his condition was listed as stable. He has been taken off a respirator and most sedatives, CHP officials said.
Casillas was shot by ex-convict Terry James Parker after Parker failed to stop for the CHP officer and his partner. Parker led police to his Granada Hills home where he shot Casillas at the doorstep. Parker then fled into the neighborhood and shot himself before being killed by pursuing police.
Parker, who had a history of drunk driving and other police confrontations, had been released from prison less than a month before the July 24 shooting.
Casillas, 31, was shot beneath his bulletproof vest, damaging most internal organs, CHP officials said.
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