Injured DPD Officer John Adsit Up, Walking
DENVER (CBS4) - Denver Police Officer John Adsit, seriously injured last month as he was protecting high school demonstrators, walked 10 steps Tuesday with some assistance.
"We're overjoyed," said Chrissy Adsit, a spokesperson for the officer and his family.
A driver careened into Adsit and other DPD officers in early December as they were monitoring high school protestors who were marching down Colfax Avenue. Adsit's condition was initially considered grave and he has undergone 11 surgeries. He suffered a severed artery, broken bones and had his spleen removed.
But according to his family, Adsit stood for the first time last Friday and then walked 10 steps on Tuesday, with assistance. His family says Adsit showed "amazing determination" in taking his first steps.
Adsit has been moved from Denver Health Medical Center to another long-term care hospital. The family also says Adsit's tracheotomy tube has been removed, and he is breathing on his own and talking.
The driver who hit Adsit, Christopher Booker, has not been criminally charged but police say their investigation is ongoing. Booker told CBS4 he suffered a seizure just before losing control of his car and hitting the officers.
The family released this written statement:
"From the family of Officer John Adsit, we wanted you, the community, who have supported John and our family through this horrifying tragedy with so much prayer and encouragement, to join us in a praise report as we enter this new year.
"It is just over a month since the accident and the fact that John survived is a miracle! John remained in critical care for four weeks and has undergone 11 surgeries to repair fractured/crushed ribs with metal plating, a punctured lung, a severed artery in one leg and a broken femur with metal rod in the other, a cracked pelvis, multiple breaks in his arm, hand and shoulders which have been plated, pinned and skin graft, removal of his spleen, internal bleeding, pneumonia, vision loss, fever and infection. John was moved last week to an acute long term care hospital in serious condition for intense healing, before he can be moved to a progressive rehabilitation facility.
"It is with thanks and praise to God that we share that John's tracheotomy has been removed and he is breathing on his own! John stood for the first time on Friday. On Tuesday, he was going to try to take his first step, but instead with his amazing determination, John took ten steps with assistance! We give all glory to the Lord for this incredible progress and thank you all for your continued prayers for healing and strength for the months and years of rehabilitation that lie ahead! Thank you for keeping the blue lights on until Officer John Adsit returns home."
