Wounded Phoenix officer opens eyes, ‘has been a miracle,’ wife says

PHOENIX – The Phoenix police officer critically wounded in a shooting last month has opened his eyes and responds with facial expressions, according to his wife, who called Tyler Moldovan’s progress “a miracle.”

“He has been a miracle already and the progress he has made in three weeks alone is marvelous; the impossible is being made possible,” Chelsea Moldovan said in a message posted to social media Tuesday by the Phoenix Police Department.

Chelsea said “the emotional roller coaster we have all been on has been unimaginable” since Tyler was shot in the early hours of Dec. 14.

“Our family and I are overwhelmed at the incredible outpouring of support we have received,” she said.

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— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) January 11, 2022

“The doctors, nurses, medical staff and those associated with the hospital have been nothing short of incredible.”

Tyler remains on a ventilator and is considered to be in stable condition, having “endured extensive neurologic injuries,” Chelsea said.

“We have been praying for a miracle and see glimpses of one every day,” she said.

“We know that Tyler recognizes those around him and responds with facial expressions like smiling. When no one thought he would, he opened his eyes.”

The Phoenix Police Department said Tyler’s journey can be followed on Instagram at @prayfortylerm and on a Facebook page called Pray for Tyler #11118.

According to court documents, Tyler had been placed on life support after getting shot eight times, including once in the head.

The shooting suspect, 24-year-old Essa Williams, was indicted on six felony counts, including attempted first-degree murder.

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge on Dec. 30 entered not guilty pleas for Williams and set several court dates leading up to an April 28 trial date.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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