The NYPD officer from Westchester who was shot three times during a wild gunbattle in the Bronx March 22 has been released from the hospital. 25 year old Officer Robert Salerno of West Harrison left Lincoln Hospital Monday afternoon to cheers and shouts from waiting family members and colleagues.

Salerno suffered three gunshot wounds when he and others responded to a report of a mentally unstable gun-wielding man inside an apartment building at 3073 Park Avenue in the Bronx. As they arrived on the scene, the gunman began shooting and police shot back. The gunman was found dead in the crossfire.

One shot lodged in Salerno's bullet proof vest, which officials say saved his life.

Doctors say Salerno suffered nerve damage to his leg and hip as well as injuries to his bladder and intestines from the other two bullets. They  say Salerno will require physical therapy as he continues his recovery.  Officer Salerno is assigned to the 44th precinct. He is the first officer shot in the line of duty this year.