Denver Officer Shot In The Line Of Duty Leaves Hospital To Applause
DENVER (CBS4) - Officer Richard Jaramillo walked out of Denver Health hospital on Thursday at noon with smiles and waves to fellow officers. Jaramillo was shot in the line of duty on Sunday along with another officer by a man who committed suicide afterwards.
"He's doing very well, we're thrilled. He came in with life threatening injuries, operated on him, he spent a few days in the hospital, he's doing great," said Mitchell Cohen, chair of surgery at Denver Health.
Investigators said Joseph Quintana shot Jaramillo and Officer Steve Gameroz and then barricaded himself in a home and refused to come out. After spending hours negotiating with Quintana, officers fired tear gas into the home and a fire started inside. When Quintana exited the house he was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
"This was a really emotional experience for the whole Denver Police Department," said Barb Archer, deputy chief for DPD. "Our fingers are crossed that the other officer will walk out the door in the next few days."
Jaramillo looked to be in good shape as he walked out of the hospital with a companion. Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen, officers and members of the media lined the front of the hospital and clapped for him as he got into a car to head home.
"It's especially gratifying to take care of one of our own and when we're called on to take care of Denver's Finest," Cohen said. "In particular, when they do well, we feel very lucky and honored to do that."
Gameroz, like Jaramillo, is expected to fully recover from his injuries. He remains hospitalized and was listed in fair condition on Thursday.
"For him to walk out here and be surrounded by his community of blue that in of itself shows just how much support there is for him to continue to get well and recover," Archer said.