Fugitive wanted for murder, wounding police officer caught

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The manhunt lasted for more than a week, but law enforcement announced Friday that the man wanted for murdering his girlfriend and shooting a police officer is in custody.

Members of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Unit arrested Otis Walker, Jr. at around 11 Thursday night at a Chevron gas station at the corner of Panola Road and Browns Mill Road in Lithonia.  The location, officers noted, was not far from the crime scene. 

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"This type of crime, it will not be tolerated in DeKalb County," said Major Jefferey Leslie with the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office.  "The shooting of a victim is wrong.  The shooting of a police officer is wrong.  It will not be tolerated." 

According to DeKalb County Police, officers responded to reports of shots fired at a home on Hodgeon Corner Cove just after midnight on August 1.  When they arrived, police said Walker ambushed them and opened fire, injuring Officer Derek Nunn, who was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery.

Investigators later discovered Walker's girlfriend, Aleka Simmons, shot inside the home. She died on the way to the hospital.

"This was a tragic event of domestic violence that never should've happened.  Our prayers go out to the family of Ms. Simmons for loss of her life," said DeKalb County Police Assistant Chief Tony Catlin. 

Police said it was a tip to Crime Stoppers that helped them track down Walker.  The tipster, they said, will get the $10,000 reward that was offered in the case. 

Walker faces several charges including murder, aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer and probation violation.

Officer Nunn, officials said, was released from the hospital Thursday.

"Officer Nunn--I spoke with him again this morning and he's resting comfortably.  He's healing.  He's doing well.  His family's doing well and we just want to ask that you keep him in your prayers," said Asst. Chief Catlin. 

Investigators encouraged victims of domestic violence to seek out resources offered in the community.

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