Chicago police officer Fernanda Ballesteros released from hospital after being shot in the head in West Englewood
CHICAGO (CBS)-- Chicago Police officer Fernanda Ballesteros, 27, has been released from the hospital after she was shot in the head during a traffic stop Wednesday in West Englewood.
Family, fellow police officers, and hospital staff gathered outside the University of Chicago Medical Center in support of Ballesteros. She was wheeled out by her partner who sprung into action -- saving her life.
"Most importantly, thank you to officer young my partner who had my back and carried me to safety. I am forever grateful for his quick thinking and swift response. You were my guardian angel that night," Officer Ballesteros said from her hospital bed.
As CBS 2's Chris Tye reported, among the people waiting for the officer's release was Officer Carlos Yanez Jr. who greeted her with a hug. Yanez was also shot in the line of duty last August.
"It was amazing seeing her. For Fernanda, her standing up and giving me a hug. I can't even put into words -- her strength is my strength," Yanez said.
Ballesteros was emotional during her release -- blowing a kiss to family and shedding tears as bagpipes played as she was escorted to her vehicle. She said she is choosing to see the light in this dark time.
Officer Ballesteros says the strength of the brotherhood -- who showed up over 100 strong Monday -- helped her navigate the five days she never expected.
Last week, Ballesteros and her partner, who are both assigned to the Englewood (7th) District, were in a marked squad car attempting a traffic stop in the 6100 block of South Paulina Street around 5:42 p.m., according to Police Supt. David Brown.
The car the officers were trying to pull over first sped up, and then slowed down to come in parallel with the squad car, Brown said. At that point, someone in the car started shooting at the officers.
A police source with direct knowledge of the incident said two shots were fired at the squad car. One bullet hit a door. The other went through the windshield. The officer who was driving was shot in the head.
Police have identified the suspect, a man with a previous arrest record who remains at large.
A police source said she has been on the job for three years.
