An Athens-Clarke County police officer was recovering at home Monday, a day after being shot while responding to a domestic incident.
Officers Michael Ward and John Jennings were dispatched about noon Sunday to the Fairways at Jennings Mill apartments in Athens, where James M. Marcantonio was banging on a door and trying to enter an apartment, police said in a news release.
After being warned that he was trespassing, Marcantonio became combative and began struggling with the two officers, police said.
According to police, the suspect attempted to take Ward’s firearm from its holster during the struggle, and was able to fire one shot through the holster, hitting Ward.
Ward and Jennings then used OC spray on the suspect, and were able to handcuff him and take him into custody.
Ward was treated for the gunshot wound at a local hospital and released, but will require additional medical care, police said.
Marcantonio was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer.
