South Houston police officer shot in head during traffic stop released from hospital

SOUTH HOUSTON, Texas – Officials say a South Houston police officer who was shot in the head by a suspect during a traffic stop has been released from the hospital.

Officer Aaron Botello sustained a serious gunshot wound to his head last Friday after a traffic stop and pursuit ended in an officer-involved shooting.

It happened around 1:30 a.m. Friday near Sixth Street and Avenue A/B when officers tried to pull over a vehicle. The driver refused to stop and led officers on a slow-speed chase for several miles.

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The suspect eventually stopped at a home and as officers approached, the suspect opened fire with a shotgun. Officer Botello was hit in the head. The other officers returned fire, striking and killing the suspect.

“Officer Botello underwent emergency surgery. Doctors have described his recovery as nothing short of a miracle. He is now alert and able to speak, though he faces a long road ahead with bullet fragments remaining in his head,” the South Houston Police Officer’s Association said.

The associated said Botello is a dedicated public servant and is often described by his colleagues as a “gentle giant.”