Wounded Fresno County Sheriff’s deputy ‘healing up’ after being shot, department says

July 11 update: Deputy John Erickson was discharged from the hospital Thursday, July 11.

The deputy who was shot during an intense gunfight in Tollhouse on Tuesday is on the road to recovery, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said.

“Deputy John Erickson is progressing quite well, his pain is lessening and he is healing up,” said Sheriff’s Office spokesman Tony Botti on Thursday.

“His first night was rough, but he’s feeling better day by day. He looks forward to getting back to full health.”

Botti also shared a photo of Erickson in his hospital bed next to a Catholic prayer card of St. Michael, known as the patron saint of law enforcement.

“He carries it with him each shift and he had it on him the day of the shooting,” Botti shared.

Erickson also sent along a message for the community: “Happy 4th of July! Thank you for all the prayers, support and kindness!”

Michael James Congdon, 57, was identified on Wednesday as the man who allegedly shot and wounded Erickson.

The deputy was responding to a call at the man’s home over a property line dispute, the Sheriff’s Office said.

This story was originally published July 4, 2019 at 3:31 PM.