The NPDF previously profiled the plight of Peruvian Police Officer Marco Lema who was shot by MS-13 gang members in 2015 when he intervened in an armed robbery in Peru. This courageous officer was brought to the United States this year and received partial medical treatment at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, which was funded by the Peruvian National Police.
Unfortunately, the funds for his medical treatment ran out and Officer Lema was prematurely discharged from the hospital resulting in him getting an infection that required him to be hospitalized in New Jersey.
In response, the NPDF successfully established a medical defense fund to help pay for outstanding medical and related expenses not covered by the Peruvian government. The NPDF also contacted the Peruvian National Police Attaché in Washington to help expedite their funding for Officer Lema’s continued medical treatment which will include a cranial reconstruction operation. The NPDF was outraged by this armed assault and offered to the Peruvian National Police the posting of a $5,000 Safe Cop reward in hopes of arresting and convicting the third shooter who has now become one of Peru’s top ten fugitives.
The NPDF is pleased to announce that the Peruvian National Police had reportedly authorized Officer Lema’s continued medical treatment. In addition, a NPDF attorney is representing Officer Lema in an application for an immigration extension, which will enable him to remain in the United States for another six months to undergo the medical treatment.
Special thanks to Congressman Bill Pascrell for congressionally supporting the USCIS immigration extension request and many of our members who donated to Officer Lema’s fund.