PRAIRIE GROVE, Arkansas — The Prairie Grove officer who was shot and injured while responding to a domestic disturbance on May 4 underwent surgery on May 7 where surgeons had to partially amputate his left leg, according to a Prairie Grove Police Department (PGPD) May 13 update.
While attempting to make entry into a bedroom, 42-year-old Nickolas Colbert fired three rounds from a shotgun and semi-automatic pistol striking Officer Tyler Franks in the upper portion of both legs.
Officer Andrew Gibson immediately applied tourniquets which have been credited to saving Officer Franks’ life.
Officer Franks' legs were fractured, and his left leg sustained unrepairable damage to the vascular system.
On May 7, Officer Franks underwent surgery to have his left leg partially amputated. After spending eight days in the Intensive Care Unit, he has been transferred to a rehabilitation facility.
The PGPD said Officer Franks has begun physical therapy and is seeing positive results and continuing to strengthen and heal.
"He is in good spirits and optimistic that he will make a full recovery and will have the ability to do anything in life as he so chooses. He and his family would like to express their appreciation for all the love, prayers and support from this community," said the PGPD.
Washington Regional Medical Center (WRMC) gave a public update on Officer Franks' condition on May 9 saying, "Officer Tyler Franks remains in the intensive care unit at Washington Regional where he continues to show improvement after having surgery on Friday (May 7). He is now off the ventilator, awake and communicating with family members. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the continued prayers and support."