Man shot at World Cup watch party reunites with LAPD officer who helped save his life
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A month after a Los Angeles police officer saved a man's life after he was shot at a World Cup watch party, the two met face to face for the very first time.
Luis Romero was shot in the leg after tackling a gunman during a South Korea-Mexico World Cup watch party in Koreatown.
The bullet severed an artery. Graphic video from the scene shows Officer Helen Zheng springing into action and applying a tourniquet that would ultimately save his life.
"I joined the department to help people. What else is better than saving someone's life? That's what I signed up to do," she said.
As he recovers, Romero is learning to walk again - grateful that he's alive to tell his story and give thanks.
"I watched the video. Several people tried to help but Officer Zheng knew exactly what to do. Thank you to everyone, but especially to her for saving me," he said in Spanish.
"I may have been the one to apply the tourniquet, but it's through training, through teamwork that we're able to make the best out of this terrible situation," said Officer Zheng.
Romero's recovery is still far from over. His GoFundMe has now raised more than $18,000, about 90% of its goal.
For his son, Leon, the gift of his dad's life is priceless.
"She is a hero. I'm filled with gratitude and I know there isn't a way that I can repay her for what she's given me," he said.
How do you repay someone for saving your life? For Romero, the best he could do is a prayer, saying goodbye after a reunion no one will forget.
"May God watch over you because there are people like this out on the streets now. May God protect you. Thank you for your service and thank you for protecting the community."
Meanwhile, the shooting suspect remains in custody on a $1.1 million bond.
And while the Romero family wants justice, they're more focused on healing, taking it day by day grateful for the officer who gave their father a second chance at life.
