Shot K-9 officer expected to be released Tuesday

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K-9 Jerry Lee after surgery (Austell Police Department)

AUSTELL, Ga. - The K-9 officer shot while tracking a suspect this weekend is expected to be released from a veterinarian hospital on Tuesday.

Austell Police K-9 Jerry Lee was shot once in the front leg while tracking the man. The K-9 was rushed to an area veterinary hospital and underwent surgery.

The Austell K-9 unit was asked to assist in the search for a suspect who was avoiding a driver’s license and safety checkpoint on Chapel Hill Road near the Interstate 20 exit set up by the Douglasville Police Department around 2:07 a.m. Sunday.

Officials said officers began to pursue the vehicle on I-20, but it stopped and the male driver ran eastbound behind the Lowe's, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.

K-9 Jerry Lee after surgery (Austell Police Department)

K-9 Jerry Lee was able to track the suspect who then exchanged fire with officers, striking the K-9 officer.

The suspect was later found in the woods near the 6800 block of Douglas Boulevard. Investigators said officers heard a gunshot after approaching the suspect. He was found with a gunshot wound and rushed to the hospital where he later died.

On Monday, the Austell Police Department posted an update on K-9 Jerry Lee:

"Out of surgery! Stable at this point. If pain is manageable, he should go home as soon as tomorrow hopefully. This was a tricky procedure, we are praying for a full recovery. Jerry Lee has a long road to go! Keep the prayers and good vibes coming! Updates to follow..."