SAN MARCOS, Texas – Two San Marcos police officers who were injured in a deadly shooting last month are now out of the hospital, according to San Marcos Police Department.
Officer Franco Stewart and Officer Justin Mueller were released from Ascension Seton Hays this week after receiving treatment for gunshot wounds they sustained in the line of duty on April 18.
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Officer Mueller was released Wednesday and received a full SMPD welcome, according to a Facebook post from the police department.
San Marcos police said other officers were at the hospital doors to greet him and escorted his vehicle past the police station where he received cheers, applause and saw homemade signs from city and public safety staff.
Yesterday a hero came home from the hospital! Officer Justin Mueller was released from Ascension Seton Hays yesterday...
Posted by San Marcos Police Department on Thursday, April 30, 2020
Officer Franco Stewart was released Thursday and officers also gave him a police escort to visit fallen Officer Justin Putnam’s car before going to a physical rehabilitation facility, according to SMPD.
Both Officers Stewart and Mueller were critically injured when they were responding to a domestic disturbance call Saturday, April 18. Officer Justin Putnam was fatally shot in the incident.
Officer Franco Stewart leaves the hospitalOfficer Franco Stewart is out of the hospital! He was released from Ascension Seton Hays yesterday after being treated for gunshot wounds sustained in the line of duty on April 18. Officer Stewart was greeted by his SMPD shift, who gave him a police escort to visit fallen officer Justin Putnam’s car before going a physical rehabilitation facility. We are so relieved to have both of our wounded officers in recovery. Thank you for all the well-wishes and prayers!
Posted by San Marcos Police Department on Friday, May 1, 2020
The suspect, Alfredo Perez Delacruz, had body armor and ambushed the officers as they entered his home. He was later found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Earlier this week, an American flag honoring Officer Putnam was sent across the nation in his honor.
The flag will visit other police departments across the country, raising awareness and gathering support for Putnam, before returning home to San Marcos, Texas.
Ruck for the Fallen launched the flag, which will move to other police departments across the country to collect signatures, patches or coins, before returning home.
More on the San Marcos officers:
American flag will travel across the nation in honor of slain San Marcos officer
San Marcos police identify officers, suspect involved in fatal shooting
WATCH: San Marcos community salutes slain officer as procession passes through town
Flags lowered to half-staff in honor of fallen San Marcos police officer
Condolences pour in from local agencies for slain San Marcos officer