Family says deputy shot in line of duty walking again 6 months later

ATLANTA (WHNS/Gray News) - Family members have given an encouraging update on a deputy’s recovery after he was shot in the line of duty.

Corporal Lucas Watts was responding to a routine traffic stop in Oconee County, Georgia, last November when a suspect began firing on the responding officers. Watts was shot during the incident and was rushed to the hospital where he has since been recovering.

“God wasn’t finished with Lucas and we can’t wait to see how He uses him,” the update from Watts’ family members said.

Watts was discharged on April 16 from the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia, which specializes in spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation care. Family members said he moved into an apartment with his wife, Haley, son, Eli, and mother-in-law and has started outpatient therapy which he attends daily.

Family members said Watts is working on walking and standing on his own. He was recently able to stand along with his family for a family photo during Easter. In the update, his family members said Watts is building his strength and working on activities that will help promote his independence. This includes outings such as going to Dick’s Sporting Goods to buy a hat and taking the family to the zoo.

“We thank God every day that Lucas is alive and doing well. We are so grateful for your continued support and, most of all, prayers,” the update said.

Along with the physical therapy, Watts’ family said he is working on his mental strength such as his short-term memory.

Further steps in Watts’ recovery is getting prepared for a prosthetic eye and eventually returning home to South Carolina.

“Please pray that Lucas continues to get stronger and gains more and more independence,” the update said. “Please pray that Lucas, Haley, and Eli get to come home again soon. Please pray for all of our mental and emotional health. We will continue thanking God for you.

Watts’s family said they are making accommodations to his home so that it will benefit his needs once he’s home.

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