The Atlanta police officer who was shot in the face inside a Midtown apartment building more than a month ago is steadily recovering, the department announced Friday afternoon.
Khuong Thai was “ambushed” June 30 along with Joshua Lovreta while they were investigating a shooting on the eighth floor of the Solace on Peachtree apartments, a 16-story building about a block from the famed Fox Theatre. Thai was shot twice as he and Lovreta stepped out of the elevator, authorities said. One bullet struck his shoulder and the other hit him in the face.
A few days after the shooting, Thai’s family was uncertain if he would make it.
“We are left with so many questions. Will Khuong be able to return to his normal life as before? Will Khuong be healthy and strong again to serve the community and country he loves? Is his future still bright and clear? At this time, we are uncertain of his prognosis,” a GoFundMe page created by a family member said at the time.
Now, more than a month later, Thai continues to recover at home.
“He seems to be doing much better and is in good spirits ... he is truly our hero!” a Facebook post said.
This past week, his unit went to check on his progress and show their support. He was presented with a check from the Gold Shield Foundation, an organization that assists police, firefighters and families of those injured or killed in the line of duty. His unit and supervisors also gave him plaques and items of support.
Credit: Atlanta Police Department
Credit: Atlanta Police Department
On the day of the shooting, a large chunk of Peachtree Street remained closed for hours while Midtown residents anxiously looked down from their balconies waiting for an update on the suspected shooter and Thai.
The suspect, who was killed by police, was identified as Joseph Lee Humbles, 29, of Atlanta. Investigators said he shot another man prior to the officers’ arrival, according to the GBI. That victim was taken to a hospital with injuries not considered life-threatening.
Thai and Lovreta responded after a woman called 911 and reported hearing two shots on her floor followed by screams, according to the audio released.
“I just heard two gunshots in the hallway,” she told dispatchers. “There is someone screaming. Floor eight.”
Credit: Contributed
Credit: Contributed
When Thai and Lovreta arrived at the scene, they were met with gunfire as soon as the elevator doors opened, according to police. Thai was seriously injured but was able to communicate with his colleagues.
At a news conference the day after the shooting, Atlanta police Chief Rodney Bryant praised the officers from surrounding agencies who rushed to the scene to help. Officers pulled Thai out of an elevator before carrying him from the building.
“This is one of the most heroic events I’ve seen in the police department and I’ve seen many,” Bryant said. “These officers clearly did not have an understanding of what all the threats were, but they recognized that they needed to assist their fellow police.”
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