Fort Worth (WBAP/KLIF News) – The second of two officers shot in Fort Worth last week has been released from JPS Hospital. Xavier Serrano was shot three times Friday.
Police say a man ambushed officers as they responded to a call Friday. They say the suspect shot Serrano and Officer Ray Azucena before turning the gun on himself.
“The community has shown us unbelievable acceptance, gratitude and appreciation for the dedication my husband has for law enforcement,” Serrano’s wife, Carolyn, said as Serrano left JPS Wednesday.
Officer Matt Pearce, who was shot in the line of duty earlier this year, stood with other officers who had lined up outside the hospital.
“The hardest thing for me is just to sit down and wait,” Pearce, who continues his therapy. “I’m not very good at being patient; it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I’m sure with Officer Serrano, it’s the same thing. He’s going to have physical therapy and things to go through that are not fun.”
Serrano is the third Ft. Worth officer to be shot in the line of duty this year.
“You look at nationwide, the number of officers being assaulted by gunfire is up significantly,” Pearce says.
The same night the two officers in Ft. Worth were shot, two police officers were hurt and a civilian was killed in Philadelphia.
In Ft. Worth, Azucena was shot in the chest, but he was wearing protective armor and was released from the hospital Saturday.
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