Two police officers shot responding to call in Decatur

Two members of the DeKalb County Police Department are expected to make a full recovery after being shot during a call at an apartment complex in Decatur, stated officials.

According to officials with DeKalb County Police Department (DKPD), the incident occurred on Nov. 27, the day before Thanksgiving.

A police report states that at approximately 11:16 a.m., DKPD responded to the area of 17300 Waldrop Cove about a call where arguing could be heard in the background. Once on the scene, officers attempted to make contact with a suspect when shots were fired from behind a closed door, striking both officers.

As the suspect attempted to flee by jumping out of a window, one of the injured officers apprehended him, stated officials.

The suspect was identified as 20-year-old Demetrius Sutherland. He has been charged with one count of family violence battery and two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer. He has been booked at the DeKalb County Jail.

At a press conference on Nov. 27, officials also identified the injured police officers as 34-year-old Sgt. Matthews and 35-year-old Ofc. Howell, stating that Matthews was shot in the upper leg/hip area and Howell was shot in the foot.

Both were transported to Grady Hospital. By the evening of Nov. 27, Howell had been released from the hospital and was continuing to recover at home, while Matthews was released on Thanksgiving Day, according to Lieutenant Shane Smith.

At the press conference, DKPD Police Chief Mirtha Ramos said an investigation into the incident was ongoing as she emphasized the “bravery demonstrated by the officers involved.”

“After being shot, one of the officers still pursued the subject and was able to take him into custody with the help of other officers arriving on scene. The fact that he kept going, after being shot in the leg, was very impressive work. We’re proud of all of our officers,” said Ramos.