CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The Harnett County deputy shot in the face over the weekend is now able to breathe on his own.        

The family of Deputy Eric Cook told Spectrum News that he was taken off a ventilator and is out of the Intensive Care Unit, according to the sheriff's office.

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Family members also say Cook is no longer sedated and was able to open one eye and squeeze his sister's hand.

Authorities believe 16-year-old Mario Garza shot Cook as the deputy was following up on a report of a missing teen.

Garza faced a judge for the first time Monday and is being held under a $1.5 bond.

Cook's family says he's been with the Harnett County Sheriff's Office for 12 years.

His first of potentially many surgeries is scheduled for Wednesday.

A GoFundMe account has been started to help Cook’s family with expenses related to the situation.

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