Two weeks after being shot in the head, Covington police Officer Matt Cooper remains in the Shepherd Center’s Intensive Care Unit, but he’s expected to be transferred to the center’s brain injury rehabilitation program later this week, police said.
On Labor Day, Cooper, 34, was shot between the eyes while pursuing a shoplifting suspect at a Walmart on Industrial Boulevard. The bullet traveled down to his carotid artery, clotting his blood and saving his life, AJC.com previously reported.
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After undergoing surgery to relieve pressure on his brain and being transferred from Grady Memorial Hospital to the Shepherd Center on Thursday, Cooper's medical team is pleased with his progress, Covington police said in a Facebook post Monday afternoon.
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The post said once he is transferred, he’ll have access to the following: an attending physician, nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, recreation therapist, case manager, peer support specialist, dietitian and psychologist.
“He (was) admitted to Shepherd Center’s Intensive Care Unit for evaluation, care and observation,” hospital official Kerry Ludlam said in a previous statement. “Soon, he will move into the hospital’s brain injury rehabilitation program, where he will begin therapy under the guidance of a full team of medical and rehabilitation specialists.”
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Cooper is an Army veteran and father of two young children.
“The family is appreciative of the outpouring of support from family, friends and the community, but has requested privacy at this time,” today’s post said.
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A GoFundMe set up for Cooper's family had raised about $25,000 of its $40,000 goal as of Monday afternoon.