South Houston Police Officer Aaron Botello was released from the hospital Friday, one week after being shot in the head during a traffic stop gone wrong that left the suspect dead.

Botello, who had been recovering in the ICU at Memorial Hermann Medical Center following emergency surgery, walked out of the hospital just in time for Easter weekend. The Texas Municipal Police Association and Kemah Police Department both shared the news on social media, drawing an outpouring of support from law enforcement communities across the region.

The Kemah Police Department posted a message to mark the occasion.

“Today, South Houston Police Officer Botello was released from the hospital after being shot in the line of duty on March 27th.”

“Thank you for all the prayers. Kemah PD loves you brother. God is good!”

The shooting happened around 1 a.m. on March 27 in the 1400 block of Amarillo Street, near 6th Street and Avenue B in South Houston. According to police, the incident began as a routine traffic stop that escalated into a low-speed pursuit stretching between South Houston and Houston before ending in a driveway.

When officers approached the vehicle and attempted a felony stop, the driver refused to comply with commands to show his hands, according to police. One officer reported that the suspect was armed with a 12-gauge shotgun. Botello, positioned on the passenger side of the vehicle, was then shot. Two officers returned fire with their service pistols. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, and investigators said his injuries may include a self-inflicted gunshot wound, though that had not been confirmed as of the initial reporting.

Officials described Botello as a “gentle giant” and a well-regarded officer with no complaints, who had served the department for about five to six years. South Houston PD has roughly 32 officers total.

The Texas Municipal Police Association marked Botello’s release with a message capturing the sentiment felt by many in the law enforcement community.

“If you ever needed a reminder of faith, resilience, and the power of prayer, this is it.”

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