ATLANTA _ A Covington officer was battling for his life Monday night after he was shot by a shoplifting suspect outside a Walmart.
The injured officer was identified as Matt Cooper, 34, a six-year veteran of the police force, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Cooper was summoned to the Walmart in Covington shortly before 12:30 p.m. for a shoplifting call.
There, Cooper encountered suspect Aaron Demonta Fleming. A foot chase ensued, Fleming, 21, ran across the street and behind another shopping center with Cooper in pursuit.
Several shots were fired. Cooper was struck and airlifted to Atlanta Medical Center, where he is in serious condition.
Fleming sustained a fatal gunshot wound. The GBI said early information indicates his gunshot wound was self-inflicted.
"This is something we all pray every day will never happen but here we are," Capt. Ken Malcom said.
"It is very heavy on all our hearts. Please pray for our officer."
Two other suspects are in custody.
WSB-TV reported that Cooper had been shot in the head.
Covington is about 35 miles east of Atlanta and is the county seat of Newton County.
