A South Houston police officer who took a shotgun blast to the head during a traffic stop and chase last Friday is already out of the hospital, according to his department union, in a recovery colleagues are calling astonishing. Officer Aaron Botello underwent emergency surgery and is still living with bullet fragments in his head, but fellow officers say he is awake, talking and very much present.
What Happened
The incident unfolded around 1:30 a.m. last Friday near Sixth Street and Avenue A/B, when officers tried to pull over a vehicle that refused to stop and instead led them on a slow-speed pursuit across town. The chase ended at a home where the car finally stopped. As officers moved in, the suspect allegedly opened fire with a shotgun, prompting other officers to return fire. The suspect was struck and later pronounced dead, according to Click2Houston. Botello was rushed from the scene to a hospital, where surgeons immediately operated.
Investigation and Reviews
The South Houston Police Department is leading the active investigation into the shooting. As is standard in such cases, multiple agencies are expected to review forensic evidence, officer reports and other materials to determine whether departmental or criminal charges are warranted, a process outlined by the Houston Police Department.
Union and Community Response
The South Houston Police Officers’ Association said Botello "underwent emergency surgery" and that doctors have described his progress as "nothing short of a miracle," adding that he is "alert and able to speak," per Click2Houston. The union president launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Botello and his family, and the fundraiser had pulled in more than $18,000 toward a $20,000 goal, according to the campaign page on GoFundMe.
What’s Next
Investigators are expected to keep gathering evidence, reviewing any body-worn camera footage and interviewing witnesses as the case moves forward. Botello faces a lengthy recovery, and colleagues say the community has rallied around his family while officials work to piece together every step of the confrontation.
