An Atlanta police officer was shot and wounded by a security guard during a burglary call early Thursday.
The guard at the A Ma Maniére boutique—Paul Andrew Augustin, 41—was arrested in connection with the shooting, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. He was charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and reckless conduct.
The incident happened just before 6 a.m. after Atlanta police responded to a burglary call at the boutique. When they reached the scene, they encountered gunfire.
One officer was struck by the shots, and his fellow officers quickly applied a tourniquet. He was then taken to the hospital, where the officer—who was only identified as a four-year veteran of the department—was in good spirits and is expected to recover.
“Our officers work daily for the good of our citizens responding to crimes large and small, ensuring that the citizens are safely taken care of,” said Assistant Chief Darin Schierbaum at a news conference. “This shows this morning, at 6 a.m. as many of us were preparing to start our day, officers were serving the city and one was seriously injured.”
Along with the shooting, police also are investigating the burglary. Both incidents are being investigated separately.
A large hole was discovered in a cinder block wall behind the boutique, and cameras and lights were covered with garbage bags.
“It is our diligence of this department to hold every burglar accountable, and we will not lose sight of that as we care for our officer,” Schierbaum said.
