San Bernardino police officer recovering after critical shooting

COLTON, Calif. (KABC) -- The health of a San Bernardino police officer who was critically shot while on duty last month is steadily improving, the police department announced Monday.

Officer Gabriel Garcia, 31, was taken out of a medically induced coma and no longer needs a respirator. He is still, however, in critical condition.

On Aug. 22, Garcia and his partner got into a shootout with a several suspects. Garcia's partner shot and killed one of the suspects, identified as Alex Alvarado, and Garcia was critically wounded.

Garcia has been recovering at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton. His partner was back on the job, officials said.

Garcia is a 6-year-veteran of the department. His father San Bernardino Police Capt. Ron Garcia spoke Monday about his appreciation for the community's support.

"You have no idea what that has done to uplift the family," Capt. Ron Garcia said. "It really means the world to us."