Shot Jackson officer recovering, gunman at large

JACKSON, Ga. - Police in Jackson, Georgia are looking for the gunman who shot an officer late Tuesday night.

“A shot, a pause and then another shot,” resident Jennifer Grier described what she heard. Grier said she jolted out of bed by the sound.

“After the second gunshot, I heard someone screaming. I jumped up woke my husband up and we ran outside and that's when we start seeing the police cars coming and coming,” said Grier.

Shortly after midnight, Jackson Police Officer Sherry Hall was on patrol when she spotted a man in the wood line on Camelia Court. Officer Hall reportedly stopped and confronted the man, who then shot her in the abdomen area of her body armor. The officer returned fire twice, but the suspect fled.

Jackson Police Chief James Morgan said the body armor saved the officer’s life. The officer was treated at Macon Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries and has been released.

“She's doing very well and I've talked with her she is in good spirits and really she is ready to come back to work,” said Chief Morgan.

Chief Morgan said Officer Hall is recovering at home, on paid administrative leave, as the search continues for the shooter.

The suspect is described as a black male, in his late 20's to 30's, approximately 5'8" to 6" tall. He reportedly weighs between 230 to 240 pounds.

Officer Hall has been on the force for three months.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation joined investigators on scene Tuesday afternoon, collecting evidence in the case. Once the GBI's probe is completed, the case will be turned over to the Spalding County District Attorney's Office for review.

WATCH: Video report from the scene of the shooting

The chief admits they don't have a lot to go on, leaving some residents on edge.

“It's a shocker you know. I mean it's a lot of kids over here. Everybody family,” said resident Rodreikus Scott.

Grier's said her thoughts are with the officer and her family.

“I pray for her. Keep her and her family in my prayers,” said Grier.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Jackson Police at (770) 775-7878.