A police officer who was brutally injured in an attack that could have ended his life says he's set to make a full recovery and can't wait to get back on the job.
"This was an unfortunate incident," said Detective Carlos Castillo of the Miami Dade police department. "But I'm thankful I'm alive and I see myself making a 100% recovery and that encourages me."
Detective Castillo was released from the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital Thursday, where he's been since suffering multiple skull fractures, brain and spine injuries, broken ribs, and damage to several internal organs while on the job April 23.
That night, Castillo was in Liberty City on robbery intervention detail when he pulled over a car carrying 33-year-old Michael Paul Robertson, Jr. and 25-year-old Monica Rene Banks. Robertson, an ex-con who was already wanted by police for firing a gun during an argument, fled on foot. Castillo placed Banks in handcuffs and called for backup.
Before reinforcements arrived, Robertson returned to the scene and bashed Castillo in the head from behind with a cinder block so forcefully that it broke on impact. Witnesses say he proceeded to kick Castillo in the head and chest as he lay crumpled on the street.
Robertson then slid behind the wheel of Castillo's unmarked Dodge Charger and ran over the officer as he drove off, leaving those who found Castillo to first believe he'd been shot due to all the blood on the scene. Robertson was arrested later that night.
It was a horrifying experience for the Detective; nonetheless, he's looking forward to returning to the force to serve and protect.
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"I feel a lot better than when I first woke up in the hospital," he said. "I'm still in some pain...(but) I want to get my life back the way it use to be. I love this job. That's the reason I became a cop, to put the bad guys away."
He says he's going to therapy four times a week in hopes of getting strong enough to get back to work, and above all, the married father of two is grateful for the chance.
"I do appreciate the support I've been getting."
