2 HPD officers shot by burglar suspects improving

HOUSTON – Two Houston police officers shot in the line of duty on Tuesday received a visit Friday from Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

“Our lieutenant governor contacted us this morning and asked if he could visit Officer (Ronnie) Cortez in the hospital,” said Ray Hunt, president of the Houston Police Officers' Union. “We went over there and to our surprise, Officer (Jose) Munoz was walking up with a walker and wearing a boot cast, so (the) lieutenant governor was able to visit with both of them.”

Details: Officers shot in southwest Houston continue to recover

Munoz was released from the hospital earlier in the week after being shot in the leg and foot but returned to the hospital on Friday to see his friend and colleague. 

Cortez remains hospitalized. He was shot in the stomach and back, and currently has a bullet lodged near his spine. 

“It’s causing some problems but they’re hoping when the swelling goes down he’ll be back to normal or close to normal,” Hunt told KPRC. “He still has a long road ahead of him but with his attitude I’m confident he is going to recover.”

Munoz and Cortex were responding to a burglary call on Tuesday when a suspect emerged from a shed and fired several shots at them. Both officers were hit but returned fire. The suspect was hit and killed. 

Munoz is a  10-year veteran of the force, Cortz is a 24-year veteran.