CBS2 Exclusive: Man Apologizes For Role In Shooting Of NYPD Officer During Bronx Robbery

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A man has apologized for his role in a robbery that led to the shooting of a hero police officer during a robbery in the Bronx three years ago.

Rodian Ortega, 21, pleaded guilty in July to first-degree robbery in connection with the October 2012 incident that left NYPD Detective Ivan Marcano shot and wounded.

Marcano was off-duty and on a date in the Bronx when he saw a street robbery in progress and tried to intervene.

He was shot in the chest. In video of the aftermath, he can be seen chasing the men down, clutching his wound and returning fire that killed the shooter.

Ortega issued an apology during his sentencing Thursday saying, "I never intended to harm anyone. I did not know that anyone had a gun, but I understand if we, my co-defendants and I, did not decide to do something really stupid, this would never have happened.

"I want to thank Jesus Christ, who saw fit to give me a second chance, the district attorney's office and Detective Marcano, who I hope sees that I am not the animal or criminal, but a person who made a mistake," Ortega told the judge.

Citing Ortega's lack of a prior criminal background and his suitability for a second chance in life, the judge sentenced him to six months in jail and five years' probation, CBS2's Steve Langford reported.

"If there's a possibility that that individual can be saved, we should save that person," Judge Steven Barrett said.

Ortega's co-defendant Jason Leiva was the getaway driver. He pleaded guilty to attempted armed robbery and was sentenced to four years in prison and five years' probation in July.

Marcano's courage brought him acclaim from his peers, his bosses and even President Barack Obama. He has fully recovered and is now married and has a 20-month-old daughter.

He was not in court Thursday. But at Leiva's sentencing, Marcano told CBS2's Lou Young: "Everyone deserves a second chance," he said. "And I don't have no anger towards the guy. I don't hate the guy. I actually forgive the guy, and I wish I would have told him that. I also hope he realizes that day I wasn't the only person spared that day. He was spared that day. And I hope he realizes that. And I hope he takes advantage of the second chance he got."

Ortega's family did not speak to reporters after leaving court.