Covington Police officer out of surgery
COVINGTON, Ga. - The Covington Police officer shot on Labor Day came out of surgery Wednesday.
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The department posted an update on Facebook stating he underwent surgery to relieve the pressure that was causing his brain to swell. Doctors said the surgery went well.
People all over metro Atlanta have shown their support for Officer Cooper.
There's even the message "Pray for Officer Cooper" displayed on the digital billboard of Atlanta's Corey Tower, right across the street from Grady Memorial Hospital where he is staying.
RELATED: Covington police officer fighting for his life after shooting
Monday, a shoplifting suspect shot 34-year-old Officer Matt Cooper when he responded to a call at the Walmart on Industrial Boulevard in Covington.
On Tuesday, Cooper, a six-year veteran of the force, was moved to Grady Memorial Hospital.
RELATED: Community praying for officer shot by suspect outside Walmart
According to police officials, Cooper still has a bullet in his carotid artery and faces surgery at some time in the future. Police said Cooper's wife is at his side. While he is not alert Tuesday afternoon, he was able to tell his wife that he loved her.
The 34-year-old officer is a military veteran who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He is also the father of two young children.
Covington Police Chief Stacey Cotton told FOX 5 News he was moved by the incredible outpouring of support from people all across the county as Cooper fights for his life. Cotton described Cooper as a "cop's cop" and an excellent police officer. He said while this shooting has been an incredibly difficult situation, it has also shown him just how much the community cares.
According to police, Cooper and another officer split up to try to capture 21-year-old Aaron Demonta Fleming, one of three shoplifting suspects. When the officer rounded the corner, he found Cooper lying unconscious with a gunshot wound to the head.
A short time later, police said they found Fleming dead in some nearby woods.
Anyone who wants to donate to Cooper and his family can do so through the Covington Police Department. They have shared a list of ways to support them in their time of need.