The Henry County police officer shot in the face Thursday after tussling with an irate man at a dentist’s office has shown signs of improvement but remains in critical condition, Police Chief Mark Amerman said late Friday afternoon.
“He has a very strong, supportive family both at home and at work,” Amerman said. “The next 24 hours are very critical for him. Please continue to pray for Officer Smith and his family.”
RELATED: With single shot, struggle inside dentist's office leaves officer injured, man dead
Police have withheld details about the extent of Officer Michael Smith’s injuries or his long-term prognosis. But on Friday, one of Smith’s colleagues told Channel 2 Action News that initial reports on Smith were encouraging following his first round of surgeries at Grady Memorial Hospital.
The same bullet that injured Smith killed his alleged assailant, 53-year-old Dimaggio McNelly. The McDonough resident drove a red van into the parking lot of Smile Creators Family and Cosmetic Dentistry on Jonesboro Road a little after 8 a.m. and immediately caused a disturbance, GBI spokeswoman Natalie Ammons said.
McNelly did not have an appointment and was unknown to employees at Smile Creators, who called 911.
Smith arrived on the scene and tried to engage McNelly, but the man grew increasingly combative, Ammons said. Smith deployed multiple Taser shots but was unable to restrain McNelly, who eventually lunged at the officer.
As the men fought, the lethal shot was fired. Investigators believe it came from Smith’s gun but don’t yet know who pulled the trigger.
Henry police have set up a GoFundMe account for Smith's wife and children. Shortly before 7 p.m. Friday, donations neared $1,250.
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