Wounded Officer Says Shooting Taught Him Power of Prayer

Officer Del Pearson was shot during a chase on the south side on March 19. The bullet tore into an artery and lodged near his spine

A Chicago police officer says he believes it was prayer that saved his life after barely surviving a shot in the chest nearly eight weeks ago.

Officer Del Pearson was shot during a chase on the south side on March 19. The bullet tore into an artery and lodged near his spine. Colleagues made a split second decision and rushed Pearson to the hospital rather than wait for an ambulance to arrive.

"I’m entirely grateful for every officer there and at the hospital that night," Pearson said Thursday. "I’m amazed at the power of prayer now."

Pearson nearly died. Officials said he lost an enormous amount of blood, but he miraculously survived. He left Trinity Christ Hospital just eight days after the shooting. Colleagues were there to salute him as he left and he went home to neighbors and community members showing their support.

His road to recovery will be a long one, but he's making progress, working to repair the nerves in his arms and hands during the physical therapy sessions he attends several times each week.

But Pearson said he's eager to give back to the Police Memorial Fund and will kick off this weekend’s run in honor of the heroes in our city.

"It’s a huge honor for me to be able to do something to give back for Chicago Police Memorial Fund. They’ve been with me every step of the way," he said.

A 20-year-old Chicago man, Paris Sadler, is being held in jail in connection with the shooting. Another man, Paris Fortune, was charged with unlawful use of a weapon. Fortune has prior felony convictions and was not allowed to own firearms.

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