Just 27 days ago, police detectives Rich Wilson and Thomas Barth carried a bleeding 2-year-old Erica Hughes from the Wilson Avenue home where her mother lay dead.
Erica had been shot three times, with one bullet entering her head and leaving through her cheek. Another entered her shoulder, and the third her leg.
She was so badly wounded that two other police officers quickly put Erica in the back seat of their cruiser, tended by two firefighter EMTs, and sped down Broadway to the hospital while other officers blocked traffic.Just 27 days ago, police detectives Rich Wilson and Thomas Barth carried a bleeding 2-year-old Erica Hughes from the Wilson Avenue home where her mother lay dead.
Erica had been shot three times, with one bullet entering her head and leaving through her cheek. Another entered her shoulder, and the third her leg.
She was so badly wounded that two other police officers quickly put Erica in the back seat of their cruiser, tended by two firefighter EMTs, and sped down Broadway to the hospital while other officers blocked traffic.
Yesterday, the much-healed toddler showed the two detectives her lollipop ring — and wouldn't share it. She was released from Frazier Rehab Institute early yesterday, and the detectives and firefighters who helped save her life met her before she went before TV cameras yesterday evening.
The rescuers marveled at Erica's recovery, which has left her dancing to the tunes she sings and reaching for toys and candy. "I want to go bye-bye," she said.
"It's a miracle," said Sgt. Chad Greathouse with Louisville Fire & Rescue. "I'm thrilled to see her like this." He and firefighter Benjamin Vardeman were the EMTs who held Erica in the back seat of the speeding police car.
It's a memory the firefighters, both fathers, say will stay with them forever.
"With outcomes like this, that's what it's all about," said Wilson, one of the detectives.
"Twenty-seven days ago, there's just no way. Only by God," said Officer Steven Kelsey, who along with his partner, Officer Larry Riley, drove Erica to the hospital.
Erica's mother, Earon Harper, 42, was killed in the May 18 shooting at 1784 Wilson Ave. Louisville Metro Police continue to look for suspects, and no arrests have been made.
Since the shooting, Erica has had surgery and treatment at Kosair Children's Hospital, then went to Frazier.
Her grandparents, Harold and Judith Harper, who have been awarded temporary custody of her, couldn't thank the officers enough for what they had done. The Harpers credit the quick thinking of those rescue workers with saving Erica's life.
The road to recovery isn't over.
Erica has lost sight in her right eye completely. She now wears small, wire-rimmed glasses and will make regular visits to the hospital for more speech and physical therapy.
Still, her grandparents say, she's shown amazing progress.
They said she spent her first day home running around, dancing and playing.
The Harpers also will care for Erica's infant sister, Ebreona.
The girls' father, Nathanial Hughes, had asked for custody and plans to remain a part of his daughter's recovery.
Earon Harper had two other children, 13-year-old Eric Anthony and 17-year-old Ebony Harper. The Harpers are seeking custody of Ebony. Eric will stay with his father.
Judith and Harold Harper say their home got much more active with Erica's return. But they wouldn't have it any other way.
"We're just thrilled to death to get her home," Harold Harper said.
No comments:
Post a Comment