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Wounded Officer Applauded Upon Leaving Hospital

Officer Mario Oliveira

A Somerville police officer who was shot multiple times in a confrontation with a suspect earlier this month was greeted by a crowd of proud family members and fellow officers today as he was released from a Boston hospital.

Mario Oliveira, 42, looked frail as he came out of the Massachusetts General Hospital’s Warren Building in a wheelchair. Dozens of fellow officers burst into a round of applause.

Chief Michael Cabral spoke for him, thanking fellow law enforcement officials, elected officials, and the media for their support.

Through Cabral, Oliveira also extended condolences to the family of Matthew Krister, the suspect who was fatally shot Nov. 2 in the incident. “Their family as well as my family has been forever affected by this tragic incident,” he said.

“Today is a miracle. He is a great person from a great family,” said Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “We welcome him home. Today is a beautiful day.”

After the news conference, Oliveira, his wife, brother, and father drove off in a Somerville police cruiser, escorted by a phalanx of about a dozen police motorcycles.

Krister fired three shots at Oliveira as a team of federal agents and local police approached him. Oliveira knew him and had talked with him while investigating him for gun possession, the Globe reported last week. Krister was fatally shot after he fired at Oliveira.

Oliveira returned to the hospital later in the day for minor complications, a hospital spokeswoman said. He was treated and released. A mayor’s spokeswoman said Oliveira needed to have his stitches redone.