Suspect named after two DeKalb County police officers shot while responding to a domestic incident

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – Two police officers were shot Wednesday morning while responding to a domestic situation in the 17000 block of Waldrop Cove near Panthersville and Clifton Springs roads in DeKalb County.

According to DeKalb County Police Chief Mirtha Ramos, 911 received a call on an open line around 11:12 a.m. The 911 dispatcher heard an argument on the open line.

Two DeKalb County Police officers were dispatched to a residence in Waldrop Cove. When they arrived, they were met by a woman who stated that her 20-year-old son was aggressive and arguing with her and another person.

As officers approached the bedroom door, the woman’s son reportedly opened fire and both officers were hit – one in the leg or hip area and the other in the foot.

Chief Ramos told the media that the 20-year-old then jumped out of the back window in an attempt to escape, but one of the officers chased the suspect despite his injuries.

“He took him into custody with the help of officers who arrived on scene, which shows the courage of our officers every day,” said Chief Ramos.

SkyFOX flew over the scene around 12:10 a.m. and observed at least one person placed in a police vehicle.

One officer was transported by ambulance to Grady Memorial Hospital. The second officer was transported in a police car.

Additionally, Chief Ramos explained during the press conference at Grady Memorial that he is still awaiting a search warrant and has not yet recovered the weapon used in the incident.

FOX 5 Atlanta spoke with a neighbor who said she went out to get food just before police arrived and returned to find complete chaos.

“It doesn’t happen in this area at all,” Brianna Mitchell said. “Did a cop really come here and get shot? It’s a respectable neighborhood.”

Two DeKalb County police officers have been identified

Chief Ramos identified the injured officers as 34-year-old Sgt. Matthews, who served with DKPD for 11 years, and Officer Howell, 34, who served for four years.

Sgt. According to Chief Ramos, the officer who was chasing the alleged shooter is Matthews, who was shot in the leg and hip area. He is expected to be released from the hospital on Thanksgiving Day.

Officer Howell was fired Wednesday evening.

“Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude and blessings. So we are grateful and blessed that our officers will be able to spend time with their families today,” said Chief Ramos.

Shooting suspect identified by DeKalb County police

DeKalb County police have identified the 20-year-old man accused of shooting Sgt. Matthews and Officer Howell as Demetrius Sutherland.

Someone who lives in the building but asked to remain anonymous told FOX 5 Atlanta they tried to raise Sutherland well. He said the day before Thanksgiving, the 20-year-old did something terrible for which he would have to answer.

He was charged with one count of battery with domestic violence and two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer.

Sutherland is being held in the DeKalb County Jail.