Holly MatkinDavisboro, GA – A Georgia Department of Corrections (DOC) officer was shot late Sunday night while investigating a drop of smuggled items on the perimeter of the Washington State Prison grounds.
Two unnamed DOC officers – both of whom are K9 handlers – were checking out the area of the perimeter breach when they suddenly came under fire at approximately 10:39 p.m., the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said in a press release on Monday.
One of the officers was hit while exchanging gunfire with his attacker.
The wounded officer was rushed to a hospital in Augusta by helicopter, WXIA reported.
He suffered a gunshot wound to the hand and a graze wound to his shoulder.
The officer and has since been treated and released to recover at home, according to the GBI.
Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies responded to the scene and found a suspect involved in the drop dead in a nearby pond, WXIA reported.
The GBI later identified him as 26-year-old Marquavious Rashad Parks.
A second suspect fled the scene of the shooting, prompting an overnight manhunt, WXIA reported.
Investigators later located him and took him into custody on charges of felony murder and aggravated assault against a peace officer, according to the GBI.
The GBI identified the second suspect as 51-year-old John Frank Snow.
Update: one man is in custody. Police are no longer actively looking for any subjects related to this incident. https://t.co/nTmTPEaNTP
— GA Bureau of Investigation (@GBI_GA) December 28, 2020
Investigators confirmed they located “items believed to be contraband” at the scene of the officer-involved shooting, and said those items were likely “intended to be introduced into the prison,” according to the press release.
The GBI is handling the ongoing investigation into the officer-involved shooting, and will submit its findings to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office for review.
