An Adairsville police officer is recovering after being shot in the line of duty early this morning, and a suspect is dead following an exchange of gunfire.
According to the Adairsville Police Department, the incident happened around 1:15 a.m. on April 23rd. Officers encountered a wanted suspect with multiple felony warrants. During that encounter, the suspect shot an officer in the chest and then attempted to fire at him two more times.
Police say the officer returned fire to defend himself, striking the suspect multiple times. The suspect died at the scene.
Emergency responders transported the injured officer to a hospital, where he received treatment and was later released. Authorities expect him to recover.
The Adairsville Police Department secured the scene and turned the investigation over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which will handle the case moving forward. Officials say they will not release additional details until the investigation is complete.
In a statement, the department expressed gratitude that the officer had survived and returned home to his family.
Officials have not released any names at this time.
We will continue to follow this developing story and bring you updates as they become available.