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Statesboro Police Officer and a suspect have been shot

UPDATE 4/17/24: SPD has identified the officer and suspect and provided more detail from the shooting. Initial report: A Statesboro Police Officer has been transported to Memorial Medical Center in Savannah after a shootout in a Statesboro apartment complex. The suspect is in police custody at EGRMC being treated for a gunshot wound.
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Heavy police presence at EGRMC

UPDATE 4/17/24: Statesboro Police Department has identified the officer who was shot as SPD APO Joey Deloach.  Deloach underwent surgery at MMC in Savannah where he remains.  SPD is asking for prayers for a swift recovery for APO Deloach.  

The suspect has been identified as Anthony Kent, 19, of Vidalia, GA.  He was treated for a gunshot would at EGRMC and is in custody at the Bulloch County Jail.

Click here to read more from SPD on the incident.

Initial story

A Statesboro Police Department (SPD) Officer was shot on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 and the suspect was shot as well.

Around 10:00 PM Statesboro Police Officers responded to a suspect who was trying to enter autos at the Copper Beech Apartment complex.   Preliminary reports indicate that when the officer approached the suspect, the suspect fired on the officer and it is believed that the officer returned fire.

The SPD officer was shot in the leg as was the suspect.

The suspect fled through a wooded area toward Home 2 Suites hotel where Bulloch County Sheriff's Deputies apprehended the suspect.

Bulloch County EMS responded and transported the suspect to EGRMC in police custody.  The SPD officer was transported to EGRMC as well.

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Bulloch County EMS transporting the suspect to EGRMC

Both the police officer and the suspect are alert, talking and stable.

Air Evac Medical Helicopter responded to EGRMC and transported the SPD officer to Memorial Medical Center in Savannah for further treatment.

Mike Broadhead, Chief of Statesboro Police commended all of the agencies who responded to assist his officers including Georgia Southern Police Officers, Bulloch County Sheriff's Deputies, GSP Post 45 troopers and Bulloch County EMS.

Chief Broadhead also thanked the EGRMC staff for all they have done for his officer along with the Air Evac Team.  He said everyone has been amazing and he really appreciated all of their assistance.

A heavy police presence remains at Copper Beach while SPD Investigators begin to process the crime scene.  However, the scene is secure. The sole suspect is in police custody at EGRMC.

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Police officers on the scene at Copper Beach apartments. DeWayne Grice

IF YOU SAW SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

If you have any information on the shooting Chief Mike Broadhead encourages you to contact SPD at 912-764-9911 or submit an anonymous tip to [email protected] or by texting 274637 and entering "TIPSSPD" plus your message.

This is a developing story.  Grice Connect will provide updates as more information become available.