A Gwinnett County Police officer is paralyzed after co-piloting a helicopter that crashed during a storm on September 1.
Cpl. Michael Duncan, 46, is paralyzed from the waist down after the crash, according to a media release from Gwinnett County Police Cpl. Deon Washington.
"Following surgery, Corporal Duncan was recently transferred to the Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta," Washington stated. "He is currently paralyzed from the waist down. He is still having pain but is improving each day. He is working hard with the staff at Shepherd Spinal Center to get back to being as independent as possible."
The incident happened in a grassy area at Briscoe Field, about 200 yards from the hanger where the MD 369 helicopter is based in Lawrenceville.
Police said officer George McLain, 38, also was injured in the crash and is recovering. McLain also underwent surgery and was released from the hospital several days after the crash, according to Washington.
Duncan, a Marine Corps veteran, has been with the police department for 11 years. McLain, a member of the Georgia Air National Guard, has spent nearly two years with the department.
Gwinnett County Cpl. Michele Pihera said the chopper was returning after the pilots helped officers on the ground search for a suspect.
The FAA investigation of the incident is still pending. McLain was in command of the helicopter, according to Washington.
While the two officers recover, the Gwinnett County Police Foundation is planning a golf tournament to raise money for Duncan.
"It is anticipated that his home will need to be modified to accommodate wheel chair access," Washington stated.
Next Tuesday's tournament is at Chateau Elan.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
