Denver Officer Shot In The Line Of Duty Takes First Steps Since Surgery

DENVER (CBS4) - A Denver police officer who was shot in the line of duty and underwent hours of excruciating surgery to severed arteries in his arms and legs took his first steps in his recovery on Wednesday.

Denver Police Officer Tony Lopez Jr. was injured when he pulled over a vehicle during a routine traffic stop near the intersection of North Federal Boulevard and West Clyde Place last Tuesday. Police say the driver started firing at Lopez, seriously injuring him.

Lopez nearly bled to death. Surgeons worried how he would respond but last Wednesday he passed a major benchmark by getting off the ventilator and showing his family he hadn't lost his toughness.

The Denver Police Department posted the following comment about Lopez taking his first steps on Facebook:

"And he did so in the company of his father and fellow officers. If that weren't enough to make it a pretty solid day, he also got a visit from Denver Broncos cornerback, Taurean Nixon. Nixon and the head of Denver Broncos' security stopped by to wish Tony well and give him a card signed by the rest of the security staff."

One suspect, Jason Wood, has been arrested and another person of interest, Melinda Espinoza, turned herself into police.

Additional Information Posted To Facebook From The Denver Police Department On Wednesday

Join us in thanking the Denver Broncos organization for their support of Tony Jr. and just in case you forgot, there is a blood drive in his ... honor tomorrow. If you would like to donate, here's how…

Go to any Bonfils Blood Center, using code #7281 or you can simply mention the Officer Lopez Honorary Blood Drive at any of Bonfils' six community donor centers. Appointments can be made by calling 303-363-2300 or at bonfils.org. Or come down to our blood drive tomorrow at 2105 Decatur Street from 9 AM to 3 PM. Call today to reserve an appointment!