Injured Fresno County correctional officer released from hospital

Friday, September 16, 2016
Injured Fresno County correction officer released from hospital
Officer Juanita Davila left Community Regional Medical Center on Friday while officer Toamalama Scanlan remains hospitalized.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- One of the Fresno County correctional officers shot at the jail two weeks ago is now recovering at home. Officer Juanita Davila left Community Regional Medical Center on Friday while officer Toamalama Scanlan remains hospitalized.

After 13 days in the hospital, Davila walked out with family and friends by her side. She didn't say much but she did wave at the camera and gave a sign that she will be okay. The 18-year veteran who was shot in the face while on duty two weeks ago was surrounded by family and friends as she made her exit.

It was an emotional moment for the mother of two, who appeared teary-eyed as she hugged her colleagues and thanked hospital staff who helped her recover. Davila's sister said this is a day Juanita has been looking forward to for a while.

"She's been wanting to go home with her grandkids and her two adorable pups and especially to just be home in her own bed and environment," Dora Alvarado said.

Tony Botti with Fresno County Sheriff's Office tells Action News having one correctional officer out of the hospital is a victory for the department.

"This is the day we as a department have been looking forward to," he said.

Davila's coworker Toamalama Scanlan who was also shot is still recovering in the hospital. A Facebook page used to update loved ones on his condition had a note from his wife Tepa. She said he is continuing to fight and is making progress. She adds the family is hoping to have his respirator machine removed soon so that he can breathe on his own and make it out of the ICU.

"Officer Scanlan is a tough guy he's going to battle through this," Botti said. "But you know, they don't call him 'The Rock' for nothing. He's going to get back home and I wouldn't be surprised if we see him back on the job in the future."

That is the same hope for Davila, who is one step closer to making a full recovery in the comfort of her own home.

Thong Vang, the man who shot both Davila and Scanlan, appeared in court Thursday. He pled not guilty to attempted murder charges.