Duarte man shot while tackling gunman at World Cup watch party thanks officer for saving his life

DUARTE, Calif. (KABC) -- A Duarte man who was shot while tackling a gunman during a World Cup watch party is recovering from his injuries and thanking the Los Angeles Police Department officer credited with helping save his life.

The drama unfolded during the South Korea-Mexico World Cup watch party in Koreatown last week. Luis Romero said he saw a man open fire into the crowd and moved to stop him.

Romero tackled the gunman, but the suspect shot him in the leg. The bullet severed an artery.

Video of the incident has gone viral and is now part of the shooting investigation. The footage shows LAPD Officer Helen Zheng rushing to help Romero, applying a tourniquet after the shooting.

"There was a lot of blood. Right away, I knew this man needed help right now. Every second counted... It just happened really fast," Zheng said. "The training kicked in."

Zheng's response during the chaotic scene drew praise from witnesses and gratitude from the Romero family.

In an interview with Eyewitness News, Luis Romero thanked Zheng for saving his life.

"That's a beautiful thing to do," Romero's son, Leon, said about Zheng helping his dad.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help Luis Romero with his lengthy recovery.

Zheng's partner helped take the alleged shooter, identified as Andy Rodriguez, into custody.

Zheng, who has been with the department for four years, said it's a moment she will never forget.

"He was an older gentleman. It reminded me of my father, certainly," Zheng said. "...I'm just really happy he made it."