A Harris County deputy sheriff who was shot in the face Saturday night during a traffic stop was reported to be improving.
Deputy Jamie White "is doing much better" at a Columbus hospital after surgery, Harris County Sheriff Mike Jolley told WTVM-TV. However, White may lose his left eye, The Associated Press reported.
A suspect was arrested in Phenix City, Ala., hours after the shooting on I-185 southbound. Joe Lee Garrett, 24, turned himself in to a police investigator, WTVM reported. Garrett is being held at the Russell County (Ala.) Jail, Sheriff Heath Taylor said.
Garrett is charged with aggravated assault of a police officer, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and eluding arrest.
Jolley told The AP that the deputy took Garrett’s driver’s license and spoke with Garrett and the front-seat passenger for about seven minutes. Garrett then pulled out a gun and shot White above the left eye, Jolley said. Once White was shot, Garrett left the vehicle, got his license and drove away.
Another person, Lytishia Horace, was arrested in connection with the case. Horace is also being held at the Russell County Jail, pending extradition to Georgia, WTVM reported.
Witnesses stopped to help the injured deputy, and the incident was captured on dashboard camera.
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