Woman shot in 'random' attack at Apple Valley gas station released from hospital
A 21-year-old Victorville woman who was seriously wounded in what investigators called a "random" shooting at an Apple Valley gas station earlier this month has been released from the hospital, family said.
After undergoing multiple surgeries and extensive medical treatment, Brenae Smith is continuing her recovery at home, sister Donique Mosley said Thursday.
The mother of two was shot in the face and body when an attacker opened fire on her the night of April 16. She was sitting in her car at a Shell station at Apple Valley and Yucca Loma roads, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department officials said.
Sheriff's investigators noted there was no known connection between the shooter and Smith and described the shooting as seemingly random.
Following two surgeries and extensive medical treatment at a hospital, Smith returned home and was "doing well," Mosley wrote on a GoFundMe.com fundraiser established to help her sister with her lengthy recovery.
More: Woman wounded in 'random' shooting at Apple Valley gas station fighting to recover
"She refuses to let this situation define her," Mosley said. "It’s simply a bump in the road. Brenae thanks all of you for your continued prayers and support."
Community members had donated more than $8,000 to the recovery fund Friday afternoon.
Random attack
On the day of the shooting, Smith had stopped at the gas station to pick up her purse, which had fallen to the floor of her car, Mosley said. Bullets were suddenly fired through the window of her vehicle.
More: Woman shot in 'random' attack at Apple Valley gas station, suspect jailed
Smith was shot in the face as she sat back up from retrieving her purse, according to the sister. She was again shot in the back as she attempted to climb into the back seat of the car to get away from her attacker.
Michael Bullock, 42, of Apple Valley was arrested at a nearby apartment complex in connection with the shooting, sheriff's officials said. A motive has not been released.
Bullock has since pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, shooting at an inhabited vehicle and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, court records show. He is also accused of sentence-enhancing allegations of personally using a firearm, inflicting great bodily injury and having prior felony convictions.
The suspect was next scheduled to make an appearance in the Victorville branch of San Bernardino County Superior Court on Monday. Bail was set at $2.4 million.
Anyone with information on the case can reach the Apple Valley Police Department at (760) 240-7400. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Woman shot in 'random' Apple Valley attack released from hospital
