Holly MatkinAtlanta, GA – Retired NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and multiple Georgia law enforcement agencies are offering a $60,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the gunman who murdered Henry County Police Officer Paramhans Desai.
Officer Desai, 38, died in the line of duty Monday night, four days after he was shot while responding to a report of a domestic dispute.
The gunman fled the scene in a white 2016 Honda Civic with Georgia plate RXF0384 after the shooting, WSB reported.
Police identified him as 22-year-old Jordan Jackson.
“No matter where he is, he’s gonna get caught,” Henry County Police Chief Mark Amerman told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Tuesday.
Chief Amerman said federal investigators have also joined the search for Jackson, and that police have been following up on tips that continue to pour in.
Henry County Sheriff Reginald Scandrett announced a $30,000 reward on Nov. 5, which included a $10,000 donation from the U.S. Marshals Office, a $10,000 contribution from the HCSO, and a $5,000 donation from O’Neal, among others, according to BET.
O’Neal serves as the HCSO’s director of community relations and is also an honorary Clayton County sheriff’s deputy, ABC News reported.
Another $30,000 was added by the Henry Police Department on Tuesday.
“We are getting some information,” Chief Amerman told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I’m hoping with another $30,000 on top of it, that will help motivate some people to do what needs to be done.”
The shooting occurred at approximately 6 p.m. on Nov. 4, when Henry County police were dispatched to a report of a domestic disturbance in the area of Floresta Drive and Keys Ferry Road in McDonough, the HCPD said in a press release.
Shortly after arriving at the scene, Officer Desai was attempting to Jackson when Jackson opened fire on him, according to police.
“All of us all a sudden heard two gunshots,” a witness told WAGA. “I looked straight forward and that’s when I saw the officer’s hand go over his chest. He fell straight back on the driveway, I turned around, told my son to run. We all three ran. Hid in a neighbor’s garage.”
A warrant for aggravated assault was issued for Jackson shortly after the shooting.
“I assure you, we’re coming to find you,” Sheriff Scandrett said during a press conference on Friday, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Officer Desai was rushed to Piedmont Henry Hospital, but the severity of his wounds required him to be diverted to the Grady Memorial Hospital trauma center, WAGA reported.
He remained hospitalized until he succumbed to his wounds Monday night.
Officer Desai was surrounded by his family when he passed away, the HCPD said in a press release.
“It is with a saddened and heavy heart that the Henry County Law Enforcement Family along with Henry County Government announce the passing of Police Officer Paramhans Desai,” the department said. “Officer Desai succumbed to his injuries with his family by his side today at approximately 9:55 p.m.”
The agency noted Officer Desai was an organ donor.
“Officer Desai continues to serve, even in his passing, by donating multiple organs which will save numerous lives,” the HCPD said.
Officer Desai, a 17-year law enforcement veteran, served with the Georgia Department of Corrections and the DeKalb County Police Department prior to joining the HCSO in October of last year, WAGA reported.
He leaves behind his wife and two young children.
“Please continue to keep Officer Desai’s family in your thoughts and prayers through this terrible tragedy,” the HCPD said.
