Fresno County DA files charges against jail shooting suspect, injured officers recovering

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The man accused of shooting two Fresno County corrections officers is scheduled to make his first court appearance Thursday. Late Wednesday the District Attorneys Office filed formal charges against Thong Vang.

The 37-year-old is facing two counts of attempted murder along with charges he used a firearm to cause great bodily injury. He's also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The District Attorney's Office said Vang has five felony strikes against him for previous crimes and he could face 110 years in prison if convicted.

A camp set up behind Terry's House, just across the street from Community Regional Medical Center is the place for friends and family of the wounded officers to come together. The sister of Tuamalama Scanlon, Francis Tupua, came down from Seattle. She said her brother is doing better.

"He's hanging in there, slowly but surely, progressing a little. But he's a warrior, that's part of his first name you know. He's a warrior."

While listed in critical condition with a bullet wound to the head, Scanlon is responding to verbal commands and recognizes voices. But as his mother, Lemitao Scanlon, tells us, he can't see because of swelling.

"His eyes are swollen, everything is. I cried because I never seen him like that. He is my hero, my warrior and he is a very strong guy."

At the jail, Scanlon was nicknamed "The Rock" and even prisoners liked him and officer Juanita Davila. Inmates have been making handmade get well cards for both of the wounded officers.

At a news conference Tuesday officer Davila's daughters said she is doing better. She can't speak because of a bullet wound to her jaw, but is communicating by writing.

Members of the Correctional Officers Union are at the camp and inviting the public to come by.

"This is a fundraiser to help the families, because they are going to be dealing with long term issues-- care of the family. So we want to create avenues for members of the public to donate to some good people," said Eulalio Gomez, Corrections Officers Association.

The officers group is also hoping the public will support their efforts to become recognized as full fledged law enforcement officers. They said it would make the charges against Vang more serious. It would also provide better benefits for families of officers injured or killed in the line of duty. They are expecting legislation to be introduced next year to give corrections officers status as peace officers.

The public is welcome to contribute to help the wounded officers. Officer Scanlon has six children, officer Davila has two. You can click here to donate to their GoFundMe page.