(KGTV) - The Oceanside officer severely injured during a traffic stop last week in now awake and out of the intensive care unit.
Officer Brad Hunter is now awake after being placed in a medically-induced coma following the June 19 incident, according to the Oceanside Police Officers Association (OPOA). Hunter was injured when he was intentionally hit by a driver during a traffic stop of another vehicle.
Hunter was flown to Scripps Memorial Hospital and underwent emergency surgery for a shattered lower leg and endured extensive reconstructive surgery before the medically-induced coma.
While Hunter is alert and "in good spirits," OPOA said he has a long road to recovery.
"Brad is a 6th-degree Taekwondo Master and beloved member of the community. His friends know him to be one of the kindest, gentlest souls you could ever meet," a release from the OPOA said. "Officer Hunter and his wife, Vanessa have a strong desire to create something positive out of this difficult situation by coming together with the community to host a blood drive in an effort to help other trauma victims."
A blood drive will be held on Friday, July 7, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in front of the Oceanside Police Department. Monetary donations can also be made to the OPOA of San Diego Blood Bank.
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Roberto Ignacio Flores, 26, of San Marcos, was arrested and charged last week with attempted murder shortly after the collision, in which he fled the scene with another passenger. The passenger has yet to be found.
Flores has pleaded not guilty to the charge. A readiness conference for Flores is scheduled for June 30 and a preliminary hearing for July 6.
