Holly MatkinClayton County, GA – A female Clayton County police officer remained hospitalized in critical condition on Thursday morning after being shot by a suicidal woman the night before.
The incident began at approximately 9:40 p.m. on July 27, when 25-year-old Aiyanah Pryor called 911 and told them she was suicidal, WSB reported.
Clayton County Police Department (CCPD) Officer Demika Lloyd responded to the woman’s home in the 7800-block of Newbury Drive in Jonesboro and made contact with Pryor, FOX News reported.
Investigators said Officer Lloyd had been at the scene for only a moment before Pryor allegedly pulled out a gun and shot her twice, WSB reported.
Pryor jumped into a nearby Jeep and fled the scene, according to FOX News.
Another individual inside the house called 911 and notified them that Officer Lloyd had been shot, WAGA reported.
Additional officers found Officer Lloyd lying in the yard suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, WSB reported.
The 18-month department veteran was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital in critical condition and was taken into emergency surgery.
We’re live outside Grady Hospital where a Clayton Co Police Officer is in critical condition after a suspect shot her several times. Team coverage on #11Alive pic.twitter.com/0uI6opkXRY
— Jerry Carnes 11Alive (@jcarnes11alive) July 28, 2022
Meanwhile, Pryor sped off northbound on Interstate 75 and drove into the city of Atlanta, where her vehicle was spotted by police in the area of Polar Rock Road Southwest and Macon Drive, WSB reported.
As police closed in, the suspect allegedly fired at least one round at them, resulting the officers returning fire.
Pryor was struck multiple times during the shootout, WSB reported.
She was subsequently rushed to Atlanta Medical Center, where she was listed in critical, but stable condition.
No officers were injured in the second shooting, police said.
BREAKING NEWS: @ClaytonCountyPD officer shot. Suspect later shot in gunfight w @Atlanta_Police in SW Atl. @GoodDayAtlanta has team coverage. @BrookeZaunerTV will be live @GradyHealth where officer was rushed for treatment. I be live in neighborhood it all started. @FOX5Atlanta pic.twitter.com/lIIw5Kv03o
— Marc Teichner (@mteichnerfox5) July 28, 2022
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (BGI) is handling the ongoing investigation into the incident, according to WAGA.
CCPD Chief Kevin Roberts said he has faith that Officer Lloyd will survive, despite the severity of her injuries, FOX News reported.
“She will be successful moving forward and we’re praying for her good recovery,” Chief Roberts said.
He said the rookie officer has done “exceptionally well” during her time with the CCPD.
Prayers needed for @ClaytonCountyPD Officer Demika Lloyd, who was shot late last night responding to a report of a suicidal individual. CCPD posted video of her graduating on Aug. 27, 2021. Watch @GoodDayAtlanta on @FOX5Atlanta for the latest. pic.twitter.com/iC87D7GU3B
— Travis Maurer (@TravisMFOX5) July 28, 2022
Atlanta Police Department Interim Chief Darin Schierbaum praised the law enforcement response to the incident and commended the officers involved for their “bravery,” FOX News reported.
“They were in the area searching for this perpetrator to engage her before she could harm again,” Chief Schierbaum said. “Our officers acted decisively and bravely and I want to commend them for their efforts.”
“What you see here tonight is a demonstration of law enforcement’s dedication across this region and the quality of the men and women that wear the badge for their respective communities and I’m proud of the actions of the Atlanta Police Department this morning as they acted on behalf of this community,” he added, according to WSB.
@ClaytonCountyPD release name of officer & suspect shot overnight. Officer Demika Lloyd is expected to survive after under going surgery at Grady. 25 yr old Aiyanah Pryor at AMC w life threatening injuries. @BrookeZaunerTV & I have team coverage on @GoodDayAtlanta @FOX5Atlanta pic.twitter.com/LATmQMIfWr
— Marc Teichner (@mteichnerfox5) July 28, 2022
This is a developing story and we will keep you updated. For all of our updates, follow us on Facebook and go to your news feed preferences under your settings, then select that you want to see more of The Police Tribune’s posts in your news feed. Otherwise, Facebook may not show you updates.
