Successful surgery for Covington Police officer shot in head
COVINGTON, Ga. - The Covington Police Department is asking for continued prayers for Officer Matt Cooper.
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Cooper was shot in the head on Monday while responding to a shoplifting call at a Walmart. He underwent surgery Wednesday at Grady Memorial Hospital to relieve swelling on his brain.
Cooper's doctors said he is doing very well.
“Thousands of you from all over the country continue to reach out to us to show support for the Cooper family.”
Those words started an encouraging Facebook post on Thursday morning on the Covington Police Department Facebook page about the condition of wounded Officer Matt Cooper.
“He had a restful night last night,” encouraging news Thursday from Covington Police Chief Stacey Cotton.
Chief Cotton is like so many people around the country, grateful Officer Cooper has survived with a bullet lodged in the 34-year-old’s carotid artery.
Every restful night for this beloved officer makes a difference.
Chief Cotton told FOX 5’s Portia Bruner, “When they ask him to give thumbs up or thumbs down or squeeze a hand or wiggle his feet, he's able to do that so he's aware that his loved ones are around and prayers are really lifting him up.”
Cooper was shot Monday near the Covington Walmart by a shoplifting suspect who ultimately took his own life.
Chief Cotton said every day and night since have brought more support and even prayers from strangers near and far.
Cotton said, “This is all across the state of Georgia, the Southeast and across the country lifting us up in prayer, lifting Matt in prayer and it’s working so we want people to keep doing it.
At the Covington Police Department, folks are getting ready for the annual Fuzz Run on Saturday, a fundraiser for officers in need.
The chief said this year, supporters will run in honor of Officer Cooper, and the event will be led by Cooper’s patrol car.
Covington's three Zaxby's Restaurants will share some of their Saturday proceeds with the Cooper family.
Covington business owner Mike Hassan Fallah is raffling his own motorcycle to give every dime to the officer. He even had shirts printed with the same goal in mind.
Fallah said, “We want to show Mr. Matt Cooper's family that they're not alone. We are a big family here in Covington.”
A big family supporting their law enforcement family in need.
The Covington Police Facebook post added, “Coop still has a very long way to go so please continue your positive thoughts and prayers. Please continue praying for the Cooper family as well. We will post updates when they are made available to us. #prayingforofficercooper.”