Community Gathers For Officer Lopez Fundraiser
DENVER (CBS4)- The family of Denver Police Officer Tony Lopez Jr. who was seriously injured in a shooting last month, joined the community in a fundraiser in his honor on Monday night.
Lopez's wife, Kristen Lopez, took the opportunity at the Tavern Downtown to thank the community for their outpouring of support for their family.
"He's in good spirits and he's doing really good at home… he's very thankful. Both of us are very thankful," said Kristen.
The fundraiser included complimentary appetizers and a silent auction. Although Officer Lopez was not there, he was the subject of conversation.
"Every single person who has donated any money I just really want everybody to know that I know that during the holidays it's not easy and I appreciate every last thing that they've done for us and the kind words and the cards and the donations, it means a ton to us and it's really going to help out as we're expecting in May, our first child," said Kristen.
There were many items up for bid, including several items from Denver Broncos players.
Lopez was released from the hospital on New Year's Eve. Lopez was shot Dec. 8, 2015 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.
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 want to thank all of his team and their spouses, too because their spouses were away from their family and kids to be there for Tony and Tony's family," said Kristen. "We have a lot to be thankful for and that's what I keep focusing on, that this will be a year to remember and now we can really focus on God and just being thankful for having family."
