SALT LAKE CITY -- A Utah park ranger who was shot and critically wounded Nov. 19 near Moab is recovering at home.
Brody Young, 34, was able to spend Christmas with his family after spending weeks recovering in a Colorado hospital.
"When he told his wife he was coming home, his wife couldn't believe it until she heard it from the nurse," said his father, Bruce Young. "Nobody could believe it. But he said when he was stretching his muscles in bed, he could feel his strength coming back."
Family and friends said Young doesn't remember much from the shooting.
"He is doing really good, he feels very blessed, and he is very excited to be home and with his family for the holidays," said friend and co-worker Jason Taylor.
He said Young will still visit the hospital for checkups and physical therapy.
Young was shot when he encountered Lance Leeroy Arrellano, 40, police said. Young approached Arrellano in his car to tell him he was in a no-camping area at the Poison Spider Mesa Trailhead. As he attempted to verify the man's name and date of birth, he was shot numerous times in the back, authorities said.
Prosecutors have filed first-degree felony attempted murder and other charges against Arrellano, although he hasn't been found. A massive manhunt yielded few clues.
Authorities are offering a $30,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
Authorities believe Arrellano was shot in the leg during the shootout.
Comments