COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A police officer shot during a scuffle while serving a warrant is recovering and Channel 2 Action News has learned the shooting happened when the suspect reached for a state agent's gun.
In an exclusive interview, Cobb County police Chief Mike Register told Channel 2's Chris Jose that the injured officer is Chris Tompkins.
“A great officer, a great reputation. Works with our gang unit,” Register said about the officer.
Police say early Friday morning, Tompkins was helping the Department of Community Supervision serve a warrant at a home along Six Flags Road.
Officers were looking for D’Vonte Whitaker, 23.
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“When I opened my door, they had their guns drawn. So, I let them in the house. ‘Come on in. I don’t have anything to hide,’” Whitacker’s mother, Lisa Whitacker said.
Police say a state agent found D’Vonte Whitaker hiding in a bathroom.
Lisa Whitaker showed Jose where the shooting took place.
When the state agent tried to make an arrest, Register said there was a fight and D’Vonte Whitaker reached for the agent’s gun.
"The weapon discharged and struck a Cobb County officer in the right arm," Register said.
Police say D'Vonte Whitaker tried to run from the scene.
The chief says the injured officer reacted quickly.
“The suspect then tried to flee on foot through the house, as a matter of fact, the officer who was shot was the one who caught him,” Register said.
The chief told Jose that Tompkins was treated and released from the hospital.
D’Vonte Whitaker has been charged with felony obstruction.