HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. -- A Harnett County Sheriff's deputy remained in stable condition after being shot in the face and chest by a 16-year-old.

At the morning service at Spout Springs Church, worshippers took the time to pray for Deputy James Eric Cook and also for the teen, Mario Alexander Garza III, who has been charged in the shooting.

The incident happened after the deputy was investigating a report of a missing juvenile. The Sheriff's Office says that Cook confronted Garza on that dirt road across the street from the church. An altercation occurred and that's when authorities say the shooting happened. Sheriff Wayne Coats says what saved his deputy's life is that Cook was wearing a bulletproof vest.

The sheriff's office says Garza faces attempted first-degree murder and assault with a firearm on law enforcement charges.

His bond is set at $1.5 million, and his first court appearance is Monday.

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