STATESBORO, Ga. — A Statesboro Police officer remains in the hospital nearly a week after he was shot in the line of duty at an off-campus apartment complex roughly a mile away from Georgia Southern University, police said on social media.
Officers were dispatched to Copper Beech Townhomes around 10 p.m. on April 16 for a report of a man breaking into cars in the parking lot. Officers arrived and walked into the complex to try and detain the suspect.
Advanced Patrol Officer Joey DeLoach, a seven-year veteran with the department, spotted a description of the suspect inside a parked car, police said.
DeLoach ordered the man to get out of the vehicle, and when the man got out, he started shooting at DeLoach. DeLoach was hit by gunfire but was able to call for backup from other officers in the complex. Officers rendered first aid to DeLoach and rushed him to East Georgia Medical Center.
The 19-year-old suspect ran away from the scene but was later tracked down by police and Bulloch County Sheriff's Office deputies in a wooded area near Brampton Avenue. He appeared to also have a gunshot wound from the incident with DeLoach, police said.
The teen was arrested and charged with aggravated assault upon a public safety officer. He is being held at the Bulloch County Jail, police said.
DeLoach was life-flighted to Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, where he underwent surgery for his injuries. DeLoach is still resting at Memorial University Medical Center with family by his side, police said.
Georgia Police K9 Foundation said that DeLoach has a "long road ahead of him." Statesboro Police asked for prayers for a speedy recovery for DeLoach. An online fundraiser has been set up to help DeLoach's family cope with the medical expenses of his recovery. Those who would like to donate can do so here.
Statesboro Police was also assisted at the scene by Georgia Southern Police.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is now investigating, per state protocol with shootings involving officers.
