CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — One of two officers shot in the line of duty Wednesday has been released from the hospital while the other recovers after being shot in the neck.
Officer Tim Sterrett and Officer Demarkus Hutcherson were shot when they attempted to pull over James Jacob Bailey near Mitchell Street, according to investigators. Bailey later died.
Sterrett was shot in the neck area and had surgery Wednesday night. He was showing signs of improvement Thursday morning and will remain in ICU for a while.
Hutcherson was shot in the leg and is recovering as well.
Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne spoke with a family representative for the Sterrett family. Sam Polk told Winne that Sterrett will pull through from his injuries.
“I talked to him. He's in very good spirits. He's doing well,” Polk said.
Polk said they’ve also been in contact with Hutcherson.
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His family sent a statement to Channel 2 Action News saying, in part:
“I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes for myself and my coworker. I am doing fine considering the circumstances. But I would like for everyone to continue to pray for not only my coworker but my brother and his family. Despite the emotional physical and mental uphill battle there is to come I look forward to returning full duty.”
Late Thursday morning, the official GBI Twitter account said early indications are that Bailey was killed by a bullet from one of the officers' guns.
Investigators said the officers were called for a reckless driving call involving a motorcycle rider, later identified as Bailey.
When Bailey ran, Hutcherson and Sterrett followed Bailey around the back corner of a home and Bailey began shooting.
"I have always desired to be a police officer Who made a difference. My commitment has not changed and my desire to continue to protect and serve is still the same as it always has been. This situation has only made me more committed to being a positive image for police officers and continue my dedication to my department and the community. Please continue to keep my brother and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Along with the entire Forest Park Police Department who has been greatly impacted by this situation," Hutcherson said in the statement.