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Wounded Park Forest Police Officer Moving To Rehab Facility

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Park Forest police officer who was shot by a burglary suspect last month has left the intensive care unit, and moved to a rehabilitation facility.

Officer Timothy Jones has made good progress since he suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was shot in the head on March 19, while investigating a break-in at a vacant home, according to Park Forest Deputy Police Chief Christopher Mannino.

"Just the fact he's come so far in such a short period of time gives us a lot of hope. I think the best way to put it is he's out of the woods for this being life-threatening. He's certainly got a long way to go," Mannino said.

Jones' long-term prognosis is uncertain, according to Mannino; he is minimally conscious, and so far unable to communicate, but has come a long way since he was shot.

"He's not on any kind of life support. He's stabilized enough so that he can be transported, which of course is a very good sign. He's made a lot of steps in just under three weeks. We're very happy about that," he said.

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Mannino said the Park Forest Police Department appreciates all the support the public has provided for Jones.

"The outpouring from the community has been incredible. At the same time, every day we come to work knowing that one of our officers is fighting this battle," he said.

Jones has been on the force for about a year.

On March 19, Park Forest police were investigating a break-in and a stolen vehicle at an abandoned home in the 300 block of Neola Street. After learning someone was inside the building, police set up a perimeter. When the suspect left the building, police tried to arrest him, but he started shooting at the officers, wounding Jones.

Police returned fire, killing the suspect, who was later identified as 21-year-old Thurman Reynolds. Police said they found two guns on him.

Jones was taken to St. James Hospital in Olympia Fields, and later transferred to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn.

Since then, supporters have raised more than $66,000 through GoFundMe to help his family pay for his medical care.

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