ATLANTA -- It's a long road to recovery for Covington Police Officer Matt Cooper who was shot in the head earlier this month. He's been transferred from Grady Memorial Hospital to Shepherd Center in Atlanta for brain injury rehabilitation.
According to the facility's officials, he was admitted to Shepherd Center’s Intensive Care Unit for evaluation, care and observation.
The center specializes in medical treatment and research for people with spinal and brain injuries.
On Labor Day, Officer Cooper was responding to a shoplifting call at a Walmart in Covington when he was hurt.
Two minors were taken into custody at the store, but the third suspect ran off. Officer Cooper chased the third suspect and was shot in the head behind a nearby business. The suspect, 21-year-old Aaron Fleming, was later found dead in the woods; authorities believe his gunshot wound was self-inflicted.
Officer Cooper has been responding to questions by squeezing hands. He also was able to mouth 'I love you' to his wife, and he waved at a nurse.
"Officer Cooper’s family said they are grateful for the excellent care he received while at Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center and then at Grady Memorial Hospital, which referred the injured officer to Shepherd Center for rehabilitation," the news release said.
