Local & State Headlines

Officer assaulted in shootout

• The GBI is aiding the Moultrie Police Department in the investigation of an assault on a police officer this weekend.

J.D. Sumner

MOULTRIE — A Moultrie Police officer is back on duty after being assaulted during a weekend shootout with a suspect, reports show.

Michael Paul Smith, 22, of Moultrie has been charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, possession of a gun during the commission of a crime and prowling stemming from a Saturday assault on a Moultrie officer, reports show.

Officer Kimberly Weissinger responded to a call on the 600 block of 16th Street SW in Moultrie around 9:45 Saturday night.

Upon arrival, reports show that Weissinger made contact with the homeowners, who said that someone had been banging on the back door of their residence but they refused to open the door.

During a search of the rear of the home, Weissinger came upon a white male near the woodline of the property. When asked to put his hands up, Weissinger said that the male ran and she gave chase, according to reports.

During the chase, the suspect fired at least one shot at Weissinger, who returned fire at the suspect. Neither of them struck the other, reports show.

According to the report, the suspect then charged Weissinger, punching her multiple times in the head and face.

Weissinger radioed for back- up, and the suspect was arrested and taken to the Colquitt County Jail. Weissinger was taken to Colquitt Regional Medical Center for treatment but was later released.

Investigators at the police department said the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Thomasville Office was aiding in the investigation since one of their officers was involved in the incident.

GBI Special-Agent-in-Charge Ronnie Thompson confirmed the agency’s involvement in the case Tuesday, but would say only that there is an ongoing investigation.

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