Wounded police officer released from hospital

Jen Lawson

Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2002 | 9:51 a.m.

The 27-year-old Metro Police officer who was shot six times earlier this month left the hospital Monday, just in time to spend Christmas at home with his wife and infant daughter.

Officer Enrique Hernandez had been hospitalized at University Medical Center since Dec. 12. He had been shot in the neck, left shoulder, left arm and leg, left side and right hand after chasing a man into an apartment east of downtown Las Vegas.

Lt. Vincent Cannito, a Metro spokesman,said he and his fellow officers were thrilled about Hernandez's release from the hospital.

"Our prayers continue to be answered," Cannito said. "It's a blessing, compared to what could have been."

Hernandez was shot after he pursued a sports utility vehicle near 27th Street and Stewart Avenue because it didn't have a rear license plate.

The driver allegedly ignored Hernandez's commands and tried to flee, but crashed his vehicle, jumped out and ran into an apartment building before firing at Hernandez.

Police identified the man who shot Hernandez as 24-year-old Javier Duarte Chavez. A team of three SWAT officers shot and killed Chavez after finding him hiding in an air conditioning duct in a nearby apartment building.

The SWAT officers -- 16-year veterans Darrell Hixson and Dave Reid and 12-year veteran Manny Rivera -- told investigators they fired at Chavez because they believed he was about to shoot them, police said.

The three officers were placed on administrative leave while the department reviewed the shooting.

Hernandez was in critical condition after arriving at University Medical Center. He underwent three surgeries, with the most serious injury to his arm. He battled a high fever and lung congestion, and he was placed on a ventilator for two days.

The community showed support for Hernandez by making donations to help with family expenses as well as sending cards and gifts.

About 100 friends and family -- including Hernandez's wife of three years, Leeann, and their 8month-old daughter -- gathered last week for a prayer vigil in the UMC parking lot.

Hernandez and his wife have been together since high school. Hernandez served in the Marine Corps for eight years and was stationed in Colombia, Russia and Turkey, serving as an embassy guard protecting U.S. ambassadors. His last assignment with the Marines was in San Diego.

He and his wife moved to Las Vegas about a year and a half ago from Arizona. Hernandez was hired by Metro in January.

"He'll always have a job with Metro," Cannito said. "There will always be a spot waiting for him."