Georgia officer shot in head back on respirator as precaution, recovery could take months

Credit: Covington Police Department via Facebook

Credit: Covington Police Department via Facebook

A police officer shot in the head by a shoplifting suspect is making progress.

The Covington Police Department said Wednesday morning that officer Matt Cooper, 34, was off a respirator for a few days and did well, but has now been placed back on the respirator as a precaution.

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"Officer Cooper had another restful day yesterday. He was off of the respirator for a few days and did well but has now been placed back on the respirator as a precaution," The Covington Police Department said in a Facebook post. "He's responding to questions by the squeeze of a hand and even waved to his nurse as she left the room!

“Matt is continuing to fight and his progress, though slow, is impressive. Officer Cooper still has a very long way to go so please continue your positive thoughts and prayers. Matt’s condition remains serious . Please continue praying for the Cooper family. We will post updates when they are made available to us.”

Related: Who is Matt Cooper? Officer shot in head responding to shoplifting incident

Police said Aaron Fleming shot Cooper then killed himself after a shoplifting call near a Walmart on Sept. 3.

Cooper remains in ICU at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.

“The family is encouraged,” Capt. Ken Malcolm said. “The doctors are encouraged every day with his progress. Just please continue to remember him every day.”

Police say Cooper's recovery could take months.

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