STONY BROOK, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — A Suffolk County police officer seriously injured in a fatal car crash with a drunk driver was finally released from Stony Brook University Hospital Friday morning.
Officer Christian Vidal left Stony Brook University Hospital with the men and women in blue standing shoulder to shoulder, cheering him on.
“It’s a blessing. It's a miracle. God heard us and our prayers,” said Vidal’s wife as she watched him exit the hospital.
On Sept. 1, Vidal’s police cruiser was hit by a drunk driver while he was on patrol. The suspect lost his life and Vidal was critically injured.
Officer Vidal suffered a torn aorta, fractured pelvis and hip and the complications left him on life support for two weeks.
“It was a long time coming. We've been through a lot, but we're blessed to be here today,” Vidal’s sister said.
The officer will now undergo extensive rehab to help him walk properly again – a process that’s expected to last two months.
Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart says she cannot wait until Officer Vidal comes back to work protecting the residents of Suffolk County.