Breathing tube removed from injured officer

Houston police officer Nestor Garcia is continuing to recover from serious injures he received last month when he was struck by an elderly driver while questioning a driver in the roadway.

Police Chief Art Acevedo tweeted Wednesday that Garcia’s breathing tube was removed overnight at the local hospital where he is recovering.

The 24-year-old lawman was alert and talking, Acevedo added.

“Thank you for continued prayers!” Acevedo tweeted.

A Houston native, Garcia had been on the force for a little more than a year.

Garcia was issuing commands to a driver on U.S. 59 near Greenbriar in the early hours of Sept. 27 when he was hit by a Toyota Highlander, traveling at about 50 to 60 mph.

The car dragged the rookie cop along the roadway.

Robert Zimmerman, 79, was later charged with intoxicated assault of a public servant in connection with the incident. Zimmerman passed a blood alcohol test that morning.

He has been out of jail since Sept. 28 on a $30,000 bail.