Injured Officer's Family Says He's 'Eager To Get Back To Work'
DENVER (CBS4)- The family of injured Denver Police Officer Antonio Lopez Jr. talked about his recovery on Thursday afternoon.
Lopez, known as Tony to his family and friends, was shot several times during a traffic stop on Tuesday. He was severely injured and survived thanks to what many have referred to as the quick thinking of fellow officers and paramedics on scene.
One suspect, Jason Wood, has been arrested and another person of interest, Melinda Espinoza, turned herself into police.
Meghan Lopez, one of Tony's sisters, read a statement on behalf of the family at Denver Health.
She thanked all those who saved her brother's life and gave an update on his condition and recovery.
"Tony went into surgery today. He is out, stable, awake and aware of what happened. He has another invasive surgery tomorrow so we're asking for your prayers," said Meghan.
She went on to say that, "The doctors here at Denver Health are miracle workers" and that Tony was doing better than anyone anticipated.
Tony nearly bled to death and endured more than four hours of excruciating surgery to severed arteries in his arms and legs. Surgeons worried how he would respond but on Wednesday he passed a major benchmark by getting off the ventilator and showing his family he hadn't lost his toughness.
"Even in the hospital bed he's telling us to suck it up and be strong and don't cry because he's not crying either," said Meghan.
Meghan also said that her brother is the strongest person she knows and that he wants to get back on his feet as quickly as possible.
"My brother is eager to get back to work. He's incessantly asking the doctors and all of us when he can get back on the streets. That's my brother, he's go, go, go just like my dad. He got that from my dad," said Meghan.
Tony and Meghan's father is also a police officer with the Denver Police Department.
Those who wish to do something to honor Tony are encouraged to give blood. Blood donations are typically very low during the winter months and around the holidays.
Others may donate to the Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Bank at account number 23017285. Donors can call 303-458-6660, send checks by mail, or stop into any of their locations (www.rmlefcu.org). If mailing a donation please send it to 700 W. 39th Ave, Denver, CO, 80216, in care of Officer Lopez.
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock visited Tony in the hospital and tweeted out a picture that shows the officer smiling.