Sportscaster Kyle Kraska was released from a hospital Wednesday, eight days after being critically wounded by gunfire in an ambush in front of his Scripps Ranch home, his employers reported.
In a message released by CBS News 8, the television station where he has worked since 1999, Kraska thanked the public "for all the prayers, blessings and well-wishes that have been pouring in."
"After awakening from a four-day medically induced coma, I have begun the long process of healing," he said. "Every morning I read your comments on CBS8.com. I read them all, and they give me the inspiration and strength to take on the biggest challenge of my life."
Kraska, 48, was backing his Mercedes-Benz sedan out of his driveway on Avonette Court, near Angelique Street, when he came under a protracted barrage of gunfire just after 3 p.m. on Feb. 10.
He was found lying face-down on the pavement outside his car and was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where he underwent multiple surgeries for treatment of a half-dozen bullet wounds.
San Diego police tracked down the alleged assailant, 54-year-old house painter Mike Montana, at his rented El Cajon home, where he surrendered to SWAT officers about seven hours after the shooting.
Montana, who had done some work at Kraska's home, pleaded not guilty this week to premeditated attempted murder and other charges. He faces nearly 38 years to life in prison if convicted, according to prosecutors.
In the message released late this afternoon, Kraska told his supporters he was grateful to them for "lifting me up on your shoulders when I needed you most."
"I have been proud to serve you for the past 15 1/2 years and look forward to rejoining my KFMB family as soon as I can," he said.
