Injured deputy gets hugs as he’s released from hospital

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A deputy was released from the hospital Friday evening, a day after he was wounded in a shootout with a suspect early Thursday morning.

Fellow deputies met Deputy Victor Rodriguez as he was released from Wellstar MCG soon after 7 p.m.

Clad in yellow socks, he got plenty of hugs, including from Sheriff Eugene Brantley and Mayor Garnett Johnson.

WATCH: SHERIFF, MAYOR REFLECT ON DEPUTY’S BRAVERY

Meanwhile, a state law enforcement organization is coming together to support the deputy who was shot early Thursday off Washington Road.

Authorities say 20-year-old Dalyn Elder shot Rodriguez as he responded to an armed robbery near Interstate 20 and Washington Road.

The Police Benevolent Association of Georgia is raising money to help support Rodriguez and his family.

All proceeds will help cover things like medical bills, household expenses and everyday costs of raising a family.

Rodriguez, who was grazed once and shot twice in the torso below his bulletproof vest, is doing well and is expected to make a full recovery.

Elder was shot by Rodriguez and Cpl. Amanda Donald, and at last check was in critical condition.

39-year-old man injured by Augusta shooting in broad daylight

39-year-old man injured by Augusta shooting in broad daylight

Donald is on administrative leave as the investigation continues, which is normal protocol whenever an officer shoots someone.

Authorities say Elder ran from deputies when they responded to the armed robbery and opened fire as he was being chased. He wasn’t involved in the robbery but likely ran because there were warrants for his arrest, and he probably thought officers were coming for him, according to Sheriff Eugene Brantley.

As Rodriguez was getting released from the hospital, Brantley talked about the bond shared between Richmond County deputies.

“This gives you an illustration of what kind of family we have here with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office. Our deputies rallied around Victor and made sure he’s good. This is a result of us coming together for each other.”

Moments after, Johnson reflected on what it meant to see Rodriguez out of the hospital less than 48 hours after being shot.

“To see [deputy] Rodriguez come out of the hospital and be able to go and be with his family, I wanted to one, come out and celebrate that. And two, thank him for his commitment and service, not only to the city of Augusta, but to the Richmond County Sheriff’s [Office].”