HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. -- The deputy that was shot in the face is now out of the hospital.

The sheriff's office says Deputy Cpl. Eric Cook was discharged on Tuesday night and is on the road to recovery.

Authorities believe 16-year-old Mario Garza shot him on April 14 as the deputy was following up on a report of a missing teen.

Cook has been with the sheriff's office for 12 years.