Burglary suspect hits Cobb County deputy with car

MARIETTA, Ga. - A Cobb County Deputy is recovering after he was struck by a getaway car early Monday morning. It was the aftermath of a car break-in, in front of the Cobb County Justice Center.

It happened on Waddell Street Southeast at this driveway where a sign reads “Ring Bell for Deputy.” The driveway is across the street from the Cobb County Justice Center.

Apparently, two burglars didn’t pay attention to details when investigator say they tried to break into a car here around four this morning.

“Oh my, yeah very brazen,” said Sonja Wimberly, who was coming out of the courthouse.

Marietta police told FOX 5 News a Cobb County Sheriff’s deputy monitoring cameras at the court buildings responded to the burglary in progress.

“When the deputy confronted the two individuals one fled on foot, running in a northern direction. The other one jumped back into the suspect vehicle,” said Officer Chuck McPhilamy, with the Marietta Police Department.

He said the man in the car made an erratic aggressive U-turn on Waddell and aimed his vehicle directly at the Deputy.

“And turns around and actually comes back at the Deputy and striking the Deputy with the front of the suspect vehicle,” said Officer McPhilamy.

He said the Deputy fired at the approaching vehicle which got away.

Unclear how many shots were fired or if the getaway car or suspect were hit.

The deputy, a 13-year veteran with the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, was rushed to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

“My heart goes out to the family. He is OK, thank God,” said Wimberly.

Investigators are reviewing video which alerted the deputy of the attempted break in. They are not yet releasing it or a description of the getaway car involved in the attempted break-in in front of a building with lots of cameras and cops.

“I would say they are not too smart. I’m pretty sure they are going to find them,” said Jenie Shaffer, an employee at the courthouse.

Marietta Police tell FOX 5 News the deputy was released from the hospital and was placed on paid administrative leave which is standard procedure for an officer involved shooting.

Since it’s unclear if anyone was struck by the deputy’s gunfire the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was not called in.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Mark Erion with the Marietta Police Department at 770-794-5335.Or call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS. There could be $2,000 reward involved and tipsters can remain anonymous.