Suspect named after 2 DeKalb County police officers shot responding to domestic incident

Two police officers were shot Wednesday morning while responding to a domestic situation in the 17000 block of Waldrop Cove near Panthersville and Clifton Springs roads in DeKalb County.

According to DeKalb County Police Department Chief Mirtha Ramos, 911 received an open-line call at approximately 11:12 a.m. The 911 dispatcher could hear arguing over the open line.

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Two DeKalb County police officers were dispatched to a residence on Waldrop Cove. When they arrived, they were met by a woman who said her 20-year-old son was being aggressive and arguing with her and another person.

As the police officers approached a bedroom door, the woman's son reportedly opened fire and both officers were struck – one in the leg or hip area, and one in the foot. 

Chief Ramos told the media that the 20-year-old then jumped out a back window trying to escape, but one of the officers chased the suspect, despite his injury.

"He took him into custody with the help of officers coming on scene, which displays the bravery of our officers every day," said Chief Ramos.

SkyFOX flew over the scene around 12:10 p.m. and observed at least one person being placed into a police vehicle.

One officer was transported by ambulance to Grady Memorial Hospital. The other officer was transported in a patrol car.

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Additionally, Chief Ramos explained during a press conference at Grady Memorial that they are still waiting for a search warrant and have not yet recovered the weapon used during the incident.

FOX 5 Atlanta spoke to a neighbor who said she left to grab food just before police arrived and came back to utter chaos.

"That doesn't happen out here in this neighborhood at all," Brianna Mitchell said. "For a police officer to come out here and get shot, really? This is a well-respected neighborhood."

2 shot DeKalb County police officers identified

Chief Ramos identified the injured officers as 34-year-old Sgt. Matthews who has served with DKPD for 11 years, and 34-year-old Officer Howell who has served for four.

Sgt. Matthews, who was shot in the leg/hip area, is the officer who chased the alleged shooter, according to Chief Ramos. He is expected to be released from the hospital on Thanksgiving Day.

Officer Howell was released later Wednesday evening.

"Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful and blessed. So, we are grateful and blessed today our officers will be able to spend time with their families," Chief Ramos said.

DeKalb County police shooting suspect identified

DeKalb County police have identified the 20-year-old man accused of shooting Sgt. Matthews and Officer Howell as Demetrius Sutherland.

Someone who lives in the building, but asked not to be identified, told FOX 5 Atlanta he tried to raise Sutherland right. He said on the day before Thanksgiving, the 20-year-old did something terrible that he'll have to answer for.

(Credit: DeKalb County police)

He was charged with one count of family violence battery and two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer.

Sutherland is being held at the DeKalb County Jail.

The Source: This breaking news has been reported by FOX 5 Atlanta's Eric Perry and Rob DiRienzo from DeKalb County, and Kevyn Stewart from Grady Memorial Hospital.

DeKalb CountyCrime and Public Safety