Officer shoots armed attacker outside Wrightsville business, GBI investigating

A Wrightsville police officer shot a man who attacked him and a firefighter with a large bladed weapon outside a local business early Monday morning.

WRIGHTSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/ WMGT) – A Wrightsville police officer shot a man who attacked him and a firefighter with a large bladed weapon outside a local business early Monday morning, according to the Johnson County Sheriff’s office.

According to a social media post made by the Johnson County Sheriff’s office, the incident happened around midnight Monday in front of Sidetrack, located at 6680 East College Street. Officials say a police officer and a local firefighter were talking outside the business when a man approached them and suddenly began swinging a large bladed weapon.

Police say the man’s actions posed an immediate threat to both the officer and the firefighter. In defense of himself and the bystander, the officer fired multiple shots, hitting the suspect.

The suspect was transported by EMS to a nearby hospital after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. His condition has not yet been released.

The firefighter received severe injuries to his arms and was rushed to a hospital by a sheriff’s deputy. Officials say he is expected to survive. The officer was not injured.

The GBI has assumed control of the investigation. No names have been released, as the case remains active.

Authorities say more information will be shared once the investigation progresses.