A North Georgia police officer is praying for not only one of his brothers on the force, but also for a family member who was shot in the line of duty.

Athens-Clarke County police Officer Erik Ellison is the cousin of Davenport, Iowa, police Officer Justin King, who was shot Sunday by a burglary suspect, according to local media reports.

The entire Athens department is asking for thoughts and prayers for King and his family.

King, who has been with the Iowa department since 2012, was responding to a burglary in progress along with fellow Officer Brenda Waline, who has been with the department since December 1999.

King was struck in the head during an exchange of gunfire in an apartment, police said in a statement, and underwent emergency surgery at a local hospital. Waline also suffered injuries during the incident.

Both officers are expected to survive, according to reports.

The 26-year-old burglary suspect, Matthew Donald Tobin, was shot and died at the scene, police said.

In other news:

Hosea Helps gives haircuts, health checkups and Thanksgiving dinner to Atlanta's needy. Photos by Alyssa Pointer | Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com

About the Author

Keep Reading

Mayor Andre Dickens speaks at his election day watch party at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Atlanta on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, after winning a second term. (Arvin Temkar / AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Featured

A person exits the Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta after casting his ballot during election day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC