Interstate 75 in Cobb County turned into a crime scene during rush hour Wednesday afternoon after a Georgia State Patrol officer was shot twice by a suspect authorities say the officer was attempting to pull over for speeding.
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Mark Perry said Trooper Jacob Fields and the suspect were shot just before 4 p.m. after a 10-mile pursuit on Interstate 75 in Marietta. When the suspect’s vehicle was stopped, the suspect got out and shots were exchanged nearly immediately, according to the Georgia State Patrol. He could not say at this time who fired first. He’s been a trooper for three years. He is alert and speaking with family at Kennestone Hospital with him.
The G.B.I. responded to the scene at the request of Georgia State Patrol.
The southbound lanes of I-75 have been shut down following the chase and shooting. According to GBI spokesperson Scott Dutton, their team is working to process the crime scene and interview witnesses.
They were both taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital.
Police said Fields was shot in the lower leg and lower abdomen, below his bulletproof vest.
Cobb Parkway southbound (shown here near Dobbins Air Force Base) was a parking lot Wednesday evening as a result of the incident on 75. Officials blocked off Interstate 75 South at S. Marietta Parkway for most of the night, but one lane of traffic was opened around 8:30 p.m. The interstate reopened completely around 10:30 p.m.
Channel 2’s Jason Durden said for drivers to use USA 41 to get around the backup on I-75.
Motorist should avoid this area.
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There is no estimate as to when normal traffic flow will resume.
