Deputy Marshal Stephen Brady showing "promising" signs at hospital

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - NewsChannel 15 has learned Waterloo Deputy Marshal Stephen Brady has responded to "yes or no questions" and is in critical but stable condition at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Brady was shot in the face Thursday morning while on duty in Waterloo.

A male and female suspect shot Brady for an unknown reason after asking residents on County Road 35 for help with their vehicle. It is not clear why they shot Brady.

The bullet entered Brady's face under his left eye. It then exited under his right ear lobe. Obvious damage in the face occurred from the bullet, including several fractures to his jaw.

It's believed investigators were able to ask Brady questions to which he could respond by shaking his head. It's not clear if he could verbally communicate.

Hospital personnel had to stop bleeding in Brady's face. They were able to do so by going through his leg and then into the facial area.

Brady is currently on a respirator and sedated.

The source told NewsChannel 15 his improvements up to this latest information are "promising." The source would not say, avoiding speculation, that his injuries were non-life threatening.