ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The family of Ferguson Police Officer Travis Brown, who suffered a serous brain injury when he was knocked to the ground during an Aug. 9 protest, shared progress on his recovery Friday.
In a statement shared by their attorney, the family said it wanted to "clarify recent misinformation" about Brown's condition.
"For clarity, TJ remains under close observation as his body adjusts to being weaned from sedation," his family said. "While his condition is stable and we are encouraged by his remarkable progress, he has not yet reached the point of being alert or able to communicate. We are deeply grateful for the continued support, and we ask that you keep TJ in your thoughts and prayers as he continues on this challenging journey."
Early last week, Brown's family said doctors were gradually reducing sedation and Brown's pneumonia symptoms were subsiding. On Sept. 25, his family announced on his GoFundMe page that he had successfully undergone an important procedure to help in his recovery.
Elijah Gantt, the man accused of shoving Brown, was indicted by a grand jury on Sept. 4 with first-degree assault of a police officer and multiple counts of fourth-degree assault of other police officers in connection with the chaotic end to a day of protesting to mark the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown's death.
According to charging documents and video released in the days after the incident, a few people damaged the fence at the police station in the late night hours of Aug. 10, causing police to step in and make arrests. The grand jury indictment alleges Gantt kicked kicked six different police officers while trying to evade arrest. While fleeing police, he allegedly "charged" Brown, knocking him to the ground and leaving him with a serious brain injury.
Gantt's pre-trial conference hearing is scheduled for Oct. 17.
Brown's family requested no visitors currently, and said they would let people know when visits are appropriate.
"Thank you again for your understanding, compassion, and prayers," the family said.
