Gwinnett officer recovering from ‘traumatic injuries’ after attack

An officer who required 10 staples in his head after an escaped convict allegedly beat him with his own baton is resting, Gwinnett County police said Thursday.

Officer Jordan Wenslow “is currently … recovering from his traumatic injuries and being cared for by his family,” Cpl. Deon Washington said.

About 2 a.m. Wednesday, Wenslow noticed a man walking down Winder Highway carrying a duffle bag, Washington said. Officers had responded to a burglary attempt at a nearby business the previous night.

“With that in mind, the officer attempted to make contact with the male,” Washington said. “When the male saw the patrol car, he began running away.”

Wenslow caught up to the man, later identified as 25-year-old state prisoner David Gill, behind a building in the 2100 block of Village Broad Street.

Gill walked away from a work detail in east Athens on Monday, according to the Athens Banner-Herald.

He is serving a sentence at the Clarke County Correctional Institution after a conviction in Clayton County on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to the Georgia Department of Corrections website, he is not scheduled to be released from prison until February 2018.

“As the officer attempted to gain control over the suspect, a physical altercation ensued and the officer’s baton became dislodged from its scabbard,” Washington said. “The suspect picked up the baton and struck the officer in the face several times.”

Wenslow bled profusely, became dizzy and had a difficult time seeing Gill. He drew his service weapon and ordered Gill to the ground, Washington said.

“The suspect immediately dropped the baton and sat on the ground,” he said. “When additional officers arrived at the location, the suspect was taken into custody.”

Wenslow and Gill were taken to Gwinnett Medical Center.

Wenslow, who is believed to have suffered a concussion, was released from the hospital early Wednesday, Washington said.