San Diego police Sgt. Anthony Elliott shared his recovery with other first responders almost two years after being shot in the head by a suspect while on duty.
“The first thing I could think about is, ‘Why am I not dead? I just got my head blown, and I am alive,'” Elliott said as he shared the details of the night he almost died on Dec. 7, 2023.
He spoke to a group of first responders from across San Diego County on Friday about the call that resulted in him being shot.
They were looking for the suspect of a stolen car who was also accused of domestic violence. They found him with a gun in the parking lot of a Ralph’s grocery store in 4S Ranch. The pursuit ended with the man shooting Elliott in the head, barely missing an artery in his brain. Back-up officers shot the suspect, who died at the scene.
The sergeant was rushed to the hospital. He survived, but doctors left the bullet in his brain to prevent any further damage.
“As far as the bullet, I don’t feel it. But I still feel the deficits. My legs and backside still get numb, and I have coordination issues,” he told NBC 7 in an interview after Friday’s presentation.
His wife Laura was a major part of the recovery process that included healing from paralysis on his left side that lasted for weeks.
“I will always be healing, forever,” she said.
She joined her husband in sharing their story, which also included caring for their three young children during months of his physical rehabilitation.
“It’s all about taking those hardships and turning it into something good,” she said. “Maybe this is pushing me on a path to inspire other people and to support other people through their trauma.”
M.G. Perez
M.G. Perez
Laura Elliott (left) sits next to her husband Anthony while answering questions from first responders on Nov. 14, 2025.
Elliott returned to his full-time position with the San Diego Police SWAT team earlier this year. He is also in the process of opening a private security company with hopes of accepting clients starting in February.
Until then, the couple continues to speak to groups about wellness and recovery from the tragedy that changed the trajectory of their lives. There’s a message hope and inspiration. There’s also humor included in the difficult details.
“It’s still hard for me, but things don’t get easier, you just get stronger,” Elliott said.
The survival story has branded Elliott with the nickname of “bullet proof Tony.”
Laura Elliott
Laura Elliott
Anthony and Laura Elliott shared this undated family photo that includes their three young children.