The family of a Clarksdale, Mississippi police officer who was critically wounded would responding to a robbery last Saturday said that his condition is improving.
While Cpl. Derrick Couch remains in critical condition at Regional Medical Center in Memphis, his father, Alonzo Hardeman, told WREG-TV that his son opened his eyes for the first time and was even able to give a thumbs up sign.
"God has the last say so," Hardeman told the news station. "Thank you all for your prayers."
Two men were charged in connection to the shooting that ultimately led to Couch losing one of his eyes.
On Wednesday, Leandrew Booker was officially charged in the robbery that proceeded the shooting and Johnny Robinson Jr., the man who allegedly shot Couch, was charged with two counts of armed robbery, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
Surveillance video showed both of the suspects walk into the Corner Grocery and rob it before fleeing across the parking lot.
When Couch tried to stop Robinson, he was shot through the eye socket, lodging a bullet in his head.
Couch has served with the Clarksdale Police Department since December 2011 and has been in the Community Police Division, Special Operations Division and Patrol Division. He previously worked for the Tunica County Sheriff's Office.
