Harris County Precinct 4 deputy constable Justin Gay is slowly on the mend with seven gunshot wounds to his legs.
“Four in the right, three in the left,” said Gay.
He was released from the hospital last week but will be in a wheelchair for at least six more weeks.
“There was no extensive nerve damage and no major arteries were hit,” said Gay. “So I will walk again.”
Deputy Justin Gay who was shot 7 times earlier this month attempting to arrest a suspect has been released from his rehabilitation center for Thanksgiving! God is Great! pic.twitter.com/3ccTae62wi
— Precinct 4 Constable (@pct4constable) November 23, 2017
At least there’s nothing keeping him from holding his five month-old son, Xavier.
The thought of Xavier helped keep Gay alive as he lay bleeding on the ground.
“I was thinking how unfortunate it would be for my parents to have to bury their only son,” said Gay. “I was thinking how unfortunate it would be for my wife to be a widow at such a young age.” “Most importantly, I was thinking about my children.”
Gay was shot the night of November 5th while responding to a domestic disturbance.
He spent 18 hours in surgery and more than two weeks in the hospital.
His recovery was aided by support from his colleagues and the community.
“I’ve never felt so loved in my 30 years,” Gay said.
Deputy Justin Gay who was shot 7 times earlier this month attempting to arrest a suspect has been released from his rehabilitation center for Thanksgiving! God is Great! pic.twitter.com/3ccTae62wi
— Precinct 4 Constable (@pct4constable) November 23, 2017
The deputy says he has no hatred for suspect Constantine Argyriou. He was captured shortly after the shooting and charged with attempted capital murder of a police officer.
“My judgement doesn’t matter,” said Gay. “It’s God’s that matters.”
For now, Gay is focused on his family’s future.
His wife never doubted he’d be a part of it.
“I didn’t think the worse, whatsoever,” said Olivia Gay. “I know he’s a strong guy, I know he’s strong.”
Strong enough, Gay hopes, to return to the streets as soon as he can.
“That’s all I know at this point in my career,” said Gay. “That’s what I’m good at.”
Officer Gay said his shooting is a reminder to law enforcement everywhere to never take anyone or anything lightly.
He sent his thoughts and prayers to the family of DPS trooper Damon Allen, who was recently shot and killed in the line of duty.
Pct. 4 will hold a fundraiser for Deputy Gay from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Enchanted Cypress Ballroom, 12603 Louetta Road in Cypress. Those who cannot attend the fundraiser but are still interested in donating can mail donations to:
Deputy Justin Gay
18482 Kuykendaul Road #191
Spring, TX 77379.
Checks or money orders should be made out to Deputy Justin Gay.