Fort Worth Police Department

Injured Fort Worth Officer Suffers ‘Big Setback' in Recovery, Wife Says

Fort Worth police officer Matt Pearce, who was shot multiple times chasing a wanted fugitive March 15, has had a setback in his recovery, his wife says.

A statement released by Pearce's wife, via the Fort Worth Police Department, called for prayers after the officer's abdominal incision ripped open during a coughing fit.

The full statement can be read below:

"From Matt Pearce wife --- "Update: I am having a hard time posting this as I have yet to inform all our family of Matt's status but I feel prayers are needed now for Matt. We suffered a pretty big setback. Matt's abdominal incision came completely open during a coughing fit he had. Likely the fact that his gut was full of air contributed to this. He ended up having surgery and they cleaned out his gut and abdominal cavity. To give him the best chance at healing, the dr chose to leave his incision open with a would [sic] vac and they will close it up in another day or so. Also, they did confirm he aspirated and they were able to do a bronchoscopy and wash out his lungs. Thank the Lord they didn't take out his breathing tube today! Thank the Lord that they were able to clean out his lungs! He will likely be back on sedation but I'm ok with that for now. Please now pray for his electrolytes as his numbers were off before this and pray that despite surgery they will improve. Also pray for infection to stay away and the doctors will be able to close his belly without further complications. I love you all for praying for my husband and that he will be able to kiss his girls again. We were also able to bless Matt's surgeon with an Oreo cupcake too :)"

Only a day before, Pearce was showing positive signs in his recovery despite still being in critical condition. In a post Monday on a GoFundMe page started on the officer's behalf, Pearce's wife wrote:

"Matt just opened his eyes and was looking around I didn't want to bother him in case he wanted to go back to sleep, but he started moving his leg and figured he needed something. I went over and asked him if he was hurting and he shook his head no. I asked him if he was scared and he again said no. I told him where he was and what day it was and that I loved him. I told him they caught the guys he was chasing but didn't go into details. He then closed his eyes and went back to sleep. What an ox. My husband is the greatest."

Officers were trying to arrest Ed McIver Sr. on aggravated assault charges and for jumping bail when gunfire broke out as he fled with his adult son. McIver Sr. was killed by police. Pearce was wounded.

The suspect's 20-year-old son, Ed McIver Jr., was arrested and remains jailed on charges of attempted capital murder, evading arrest, unlawful carrying of a weapon and drug possession.

Investigators have not yet determined who shot Pearce.

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