Officer wounded in shooting released from hospital
HOUSTON - Houston Police Officer Jose Munoz, who was shot in the foot on Tuesday, has been released from the hospital.
Officer Ronny Cortez remains in critical, but stable condition.
HPD Chief Art Acevedo says just a few hours ago we didn't know if we would be reporting a fatality in the Houston Police Department but what a difference a day makes.
“And what we tell you is the prayers are working. He was in really critical condition yesterday and now he’s stable. He’s talking. He’s jovial and part of that happiness is he has joy to be alive,” says the chief.
"My brother’s doing well. He’s happy. He’s laughing a lot. Although he has a long road of recovery ahead of him,” adds Officer Cortez’s brother Danny Cortez.
Chief Acevedo says a burglary suspect's 9mm bullet tore through officer Cortez's back lodging near his spine which could potentially leave him paralyzed.
"Our prayer continues to be that he completely recovers so he can walk and have a full life," says Cortez.
Officers Cortez and Munoz were shot Tuesday responding to a burglary in Southwest Houston in the Glenshire Subdivision.
Chief Acevedo says the man who opened fire on his officers was killed in the shootout and was a known gang member. As for the second suspect who got away?
"I'm pretty confident we're going to have the other suspect in custody shortly. So you either wait for us to come and get you or you can turn yourself in,” Acevedo said directly to the wanted man.
As for Officer Munoz, his wife says she is so thankful the community has been praying for them.
"I'm always grateful always. There's more positive out there than negative and people forget that", says Jazmin Munoz.
The officers were not wearing body cameras at the time of the shooting.
In fact, the chief has put a hold on HPD officers wearing the cameras for now because of problems with the batteries dying prematurely.
Chief Acevedo says they are working with the manufacturer to get the problem fixed.