Raleigh police officer returns to serve a year later after being shot multiple times
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- After a year of recovery from being shot multiple times in the line of duty, Raleigh Officer Charles Ainsworth is ready to serve again.
On Jan. 9, 2019, Ainsworth was critically wounded after being shot multiple times while investigating a stolen vehicle at an apartment complex on Western Boulevard near Schaub Drive.
Four people were charged in connection to the shooting.
Thursday morning, Raleigh police welcomed Ainsworth, 26, back with a special celebration.
"Most employees can tell you where they were and what they were doing when Charlie had been shot in the line of duty and was in critical condition," said Deputy Chief of Police Karen Riggsbee. "But, we are a resilient department and just as quickly, employees responded in from home and deployed to the hospital and to the scene to help in any way they could."
In the past 12 months, Ainsworth endured numerous surgeries and grueling physical therapy.
Ainsworth was released from the hospital in April. In October, he completed the Oktoberfest 4-Miler, a 4-mile race in Raleigh.
Last month, Ainsworth took to Twitter telling his supporters, "Just stay in the fight, you guys. I've definitely gotten in better shape. I have to get myself a six-pack."
SEE ALSO : Raleigh Officer Charles Ainsworth still pushing through recovery after being shot
"I am convinced from the moment you were shot, you made a decision that you were going to fight, you were determined to get well, and that you were going to come back to us," Riggsbee said to Ainsworth. "We are all amazed at your strength and your resilience and we are honored to welcome you back."
Among the crowd that showed support for Ainsworth were plenty of the Wake County community including the Wake County District Attorney's Office prosecutor and Gaston Perry, a Raleigh citizen whose Sunday school class took up donations to help Ainsworth's family.
A spokesperson for the Raleigh Police Department said Ainsworth will be on administrative duty "for now."
