Man Hit in Shootout with NYPD Released from Jail; No Charges

Man Hit in Shootout with NYPD Released from Jail; No Charges: MyFoxNY.com

Angel Alvarez, 24, says he is just happy to be alive after being shot more than a dozen times at a summer block party in Harlem in 2010.

"It feels great, I'm happy, it's amazing," Alvarez said.

Alvarez was accompanied by his lawyers, friends, and family Thursday afternoon as he shared his thoughts with reporters just one day after he was released from jail. A grand jury cleared him of charges.

He said he wasn't sure he'd get out.

"You have a case against police it's hard, but I had good lawyers," he said.

Alvarez still has four bullets lodged in ribs, shoulders and back from an August 8, 2010, shootout that nearly claimed his life.

A large block party near West 144th Street got out of hand that night. Police reports reveal that the first shots were fired around 3 a.m.

Police were called to the scene to break up a fight between Alvarez and an acquaintance, Louis Soto, 22. Police say the two were arguing about a woman when things took a turn for the worse. Police heard a nearby gunshot and started to fire in the direction of the two men. At least 15 bullets hit Alvarez while numerous bullets hit Soto, killing him.

"It's a miracle, I'm just glad to be with my family," he said.

Now as for the four police officers who shot Alvarez, a grand jury has yet to decide on their fate.