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Officer shoots man wielding medieval-type sword
swordsman
The CPD and the GBI on the scene of a Covington PD officer-involved shooting Wednesday afternoon near Legion Drive.

COVINGTON — The Covington Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was on the scene of a Covington PD officer-involved shooting Wednesday afternoon.

At approximately 12:34 p.m., officers from the CPD responded to a call about a suspicious person carrying a sword on Legion Drive, according to a press release sent by Capt. Ken Malcom. Officers arrived at the 3100 block area of Brookwood Circle just off Legion Drive at about 12:36 p.m. and made contact with a white male who was carrying a large medieval-type sword.

As one CPD officer exited his vehicle, he was reportedly attacked by the suspect. The officer backed away from the suspect, giving verbal commands before drawing his service weapon.

The suspect then charged the officer with the sword over his head in attempt to strike the officer, the release said. The officer discharged his weapon, making contact with the suspect.

Immediate medical attention was given to the suspect by the responding officers. EMS and Covington Fire personnel were immediately notified and responded to the scene.

The suspect was airlifted to Grady Hospital in critical condition.

An investigation of the incident was turned over to GBI. The suspect’s identity was not released, as his family was being contacted. According to policy, the officer was placed in administrative leave until the investigation is completed.

A press conference will be held this afternoon at 3:45 p.m. at the Covington Lions Club pavilion at 2207 Conyers St. in Covington, just down the street from the scene of the incident.