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Waseca, MN (KROC-AM News) - Waseca Police Officer Arik Matson is coming home next week.

The Waseca Police Department says Matson is scheduled to arrive in Waseca Monday afternoon. He has been undergoing rehabilitation therapy at a facility in Nebraska for the past six months to prepare him for his return home for the first time since he was shot in the head and critically wounded while responding to a report of a suspicious person on the night of January 6th.

Waseca Police Chief Penny Vought offers the following statement: “The day we have hoped for is finally almost here. Arik will soon be home with his family, his law enforcement family and his friends. We have missed him tremendously and will continue to support him as he recovers from his injuries. We would like to acknowledge and express our deepest gratitude to the first responders, doctors and nurses who saved his life. We also would like to thank the numerous retired and current law enforcement officers who watched over him at various facilities and the essential workers who provided outstanding care to him during his healing journey. Lastly, thank you to the countless number of people throughout Minnesota and the United States who have sent their well wishes to Arik and to us. Your support will never be forgotten.”

The City of Waseca is inviting people to line the sidewalks along Highway 13 in Waseca from the community's Junior and Senior High School on the north end of the city to the Public Safety Building near downtown Waseca to welcome Officer Matson home when he arrives escorted by emergency vehicles. The socially distanced event will begin around noon. Officials note the roadway will remain open to regular traffic.

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