A Covington Police Department officer shot during an investigation Monday spent part of his childhood in North Georgia, according to family friends.
Matt Cooper, 34, was shot as he investigated a shoplifting incident at a Walmart store. As he gave chase to a 21-year-old suspect, the suspect shot Cooper in the head and then turned the gun on himself; the suspect died as a result. Two other suspects, ages 11 and 15, were detained, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Both were released to their parents, since investigators believed them to be involved in the shoplifting, but not in the shooting.
Cooper was airlifted to Atlanta Medical Center for treatment where he remains in serious condition at last report.
The Covington Police Department wrote on its Facebook page Tuesday morning that the bullet was lodged at Cooper's carotid artery. A vascular surgeon was evaluating the officer for surgery,
"His vital signs are strong. Matt Cooper is strong! He is a fighter! Please continue to pray for the Cooper family," the social media post read.
Family friends said that Cooper and his family lived in Union County when the officer was a child. Cooper's father was a game warden in the area at the time.
Cooper has worked for the Covington Police Department. He is a military veteran.
The Covington Police Department said donations for the family are being accepted via Covington Police Who Care (501C3).
