Shot Georgia Police Officer: How To Donate

ATLANTA, GA — A police officer from Covington, Ga., remained in serious condition on Wednesday with a bullet lodged against his carotid artery after he was shot while chasing a shoplifting suspect.

Officer Matt Cooper, 34, is being treated at Atlanta's Grady Memorial Hospital, where he is undergoing a CT scan every few hours as doctors monitor his situation, the Covington Police Department said Wednesday morning.

Outside the hospital, on Atlanta's iconic Corey smokestack, a huge sign featuring a police badge read, "Pray for Ofc. Cooper." The sign, as shown in a photo shared by Covington Police, is visible from Cooper's room.

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Cooper, a 6-year veteran of the department and a military veteran, responded at about 12:24 p.m. Monday to the Walmart at 10300 Industrial Blvd. in Covington. He chased a shoplifting suspect across the street and behind another shopping center, where several shots were fired.

The suspect was shot and killed. Police initially said it wasn't clear if Cooper shot the suspect or the suspect shot himself. But the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, which routinely investigates officer-involved shootings in the state, said it appears the gunshot was self-inflicted.

Covington is in Newton County, about 35 miles southeast of Atlanta.

Two more suspects were arrested in the incident. Both juveniles, police say they are believed to have been involved in the shoplifting, but not the shooting.

In updates on social media, Covington Police say Cooper is continuing to fight.

"We were just informed that he mouthed the words 'I love you' to his wife who has not left his side," police said Tuesday afternoon in a Facebook post. "The nurse asked him, 'did you just tell her I love you?' and he nodded yes. Prayers are working and Matt is fighting hard!"

Police also said they have received requests from across the country from people asking how they can donate money to Cooper and his family. They are suggesting the following methods:

• Stop by Newton Federal Bank, 3175 Hwy. 278 NE, Covington, Ga. 30014. Ask to donate to the "Officer Matt Cooper" fund. The routing number is 261170371 and the account number is 0011269651.
• Stop by the Covington Police Department, 1143 Oak St. SE, Covington, Ga., 30014, to make a donation in person to the Police Who Care Fund. Put the name "Officer Matt Cooper" in the check's "for/memo" section.
• Wire transfer. If you are not in the Covington area and wish to make a donation, the receiving bank is First National Banker's Bank, 7813 Office Park Blvd., Baton Rouge, La., 70809. Routing No. 065403370. Swift No. FRNAUS44.
• Beneficiary bank: Newton Federal Bank, 3175 Hwy. 278 NE, Covington Ga., 30014. DDA No. 261170371. Beneficiary name: Officer Matt Cooper. Account No. 0011269651.

Photo courtesy Covington Police Department