Gwinnett Officer Hurt In Helicopter Crash Is Paralyzed

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — One of the Gwinnett County Police officers injured in a helicopter crash early this month is paralyzed from the waist down, the department said Monday.

Cpl. Michael Duncan, 46, was recently transferred to the Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta, where he is being treated, police spokesman Cpl. Deon Washington said.

"He is still having pain but is improving each day," Washington said in a news release. "He is working hard with the staff at Shepherd Spinal Center to get back to being as independent as possible."

Officer George McLain, 38, also was injured in the Sept. 1 crash. He underwent surgery and was released from the hospital several days later, Washington said.

According to police, the copter crashed at about 10:58 a.m. on Sept. 1 at Briscoe Field in Lawrenceville. The helicopter had been helping uniform patrol officers involved with a chase with a wanted suspect when weather conditions made it too hard to continue.

McLain, who was in command of the helicopter, was hired by the department in January 2016 and is a member of the Georgia Air National Guard. Duncan was hired in February 2005 and is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the cause of the crash.

The Gwinnett County Police Foundation will host a golf tournament on Oct. 2 at Chateau Elan. Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to Duncan.

Washington said it's anticipated that Duncan's home will need to be modified to create wheel chair access. For information about the event and to donate visit the police foundation's website.

"The Gwinnett County Police Department is a strong family and we will continue to support the recovery of both injured pilots," Washington said.

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Photos courtesy Gwinnett County Police Department