Officer Lopez: 'Grateful, Honored' To Be Alive After Shooting

DENVER (CBS4)- Denver Police Officer Tony Lopez Jr. got to go home on New Year's Eve after he barely survived a shooting earlier this month.

"I'm in a lot of pain but also I have a lot of support and love especially from my fellow coppers," said Lopez.

Lopez appeared in a wheelchair with his wife and surgeon by his side. He and his wife are expecting their first child next year.

"My wife's pregnant and that's all I could think about, making sure I stayed awake so I can meet my baby," said Lopez.

The officer left Denver Health Medical Center on Thursday afternoon where he has been recovering since Dec. 8 when a suspect shot him multiple times.

Lopez was shot during a traffic stop near Federal Boulevard and Clyde Place when the suspect carjacked a vehicle in an attempt to get away. Jason Wood, was arrested after a short chase following the shooting and another person of interest, Melinda Espinoza, turned herself into police. Wood has been charged with attempted first-degree murder.

"I'm very grateful and I'm very honored," said Lopez of his recovery.

Doctors have said Lopez was as close to death as you can get after he was shot several times in the legs, arm and bulletproof vest. Doctors said he lost nearly all his blood and credit paramedics on scene with saving his life.

"I just wanted to say I'm grateful for everybody and every person who got me here and all the other officers who responded to the scene and paramedics," said Lopez.

Lopez talked about the paramedics first on scene, Courtney Strong and Dustin Morgan. They were honored on Wednesday by Denver Chief of Police Robert White.

"Especially Courtney, I remember her talking to me in the back of the ambulance and my partner talking to me in the back of the ambulance, telling me to hang on," said Lopez.

Lopez said he's looking forward to ringing in 2016 with his wife at home.

"You take a lot of things for granted," said Lopez. "I'm excited to be home and spend it with my wife and family."

Although grateful, Lopez has a lot of work to do before his first born arrives.

"Right now my left foot doesn't really work, I'm waiting for the nerves to come back and once that happens I'll be able to start walking and get closer to putting my uniform on," said Lopez.

"I need this to come on quick because I want to walk my baby out of the hospital."

Lopez will be promoted to sergeant next month.