David Ortiz shot: The Red Sox legend has organs removed after surgery today; suspect Eddy Feliz Garcia in custody

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – Doctors removed David Ortiz's gall bladder and part of his gut after the former dear Boston Red Sox slugger, known as "Big Papi", was ambushed by an armed man in a bar in his country, the Dominican Republicsaid a spokesman Monday. Leo López said that the liver of the retired athlete was also damaged and that he was in stable condition in intensive care. He said that Ortiz would be sent to Boston once his condition would improve.

Ortiz, 43, is one of the most popular figures in sports history in the Dominican Republic and Boston. He is a formidable hitter in power with a bright smile. He led the Red Sox to three world championships, was a star player 10 times and hit 541 home runs.

Dozens of spectators gathered at the hospital in Santo Domingo, where Ortiz was being treated, causing a traffic jam. In the United States, fans prayed for his recovery.

"It's a good friend of the city of Boston," said Sheila Kieran. The New England Patriots star, Julian Edelman, joins the crowd of professional sports personalities who have turned to social media to wish Ortiz good luck, by insuring him on Instagram : "Grandpa, all of New England has your back."

Ortiz was at the Dial Bar and Lounge in Santo Domingo on Sunday night when an armed man approached from behind and shot him, said National Police Director Ney Aldrin Bautista Almonte.

In the surveillance video, one can see a motorcyclist approaching the group from behind and shooting Ortiz at the back, reports David Begnaud, CBS News correspondent. Police say it was "point blank."

The gunman was captured and beaten at the bar by a crowd of people. Police were waiting for him to be treated for his injuries before questioning him, authorities said. Investigators said they were trying to determine if Ortiz was the intended target.

Police identified the arrested gunman as Eddy Feliz Garcia. They told CBS News that they were looking for a second suspect.

Ortiz's father, Leo, told reporters that he had no idea why someone would have shot his son. "He is resting," said Elder Ortiz. "Big Papi will be around for a long time."

The Red Sox said in a statement that Ortiz had been injured in the region "lower back and abdomen" and that the team had offered his family "all the resources available to his recovery. "

Two other people were injured, including Jhoel López, a Dominican TV host who accompanied Ortiz. Police believe that López was injured by the same bullet, said Bautista.

López was shot in the leg and his injuries were not life-threatening, said his wife, Liza Blanco, who is also a TV host.

The police did not identify the third person or specify the injuries of this person.

The bar is located on Venezuelan Avenue, a vibrant nightlife area full of discos and expensive bars frequented by Ortiz.

Ortiz, who retired after the 2016 season and resides at least part of the year in the Dominican Republic, often sees his cars being washed and hailed with friends, including other baseball players, artists and artists.

The Red Sox pulled out its 34-year-old number in 2017, and Boston renamed a bridge and a stretch of road outside Fenway Park in his honor. He has a house in Weston, on the outskirts of Boston.

Ortiz galvanized the city after the bombardment of the Boston Marathon in 2013, which claimed the lives of three people, whistling in a megaphone at Fenway Park: "It's our (explosive) city!"