A Henry County police officer shot at a dentist’s office nearly three weeks ago is making progress with his recovery in rehab, although his wife had a recent health scare while visiting him, the police chief said.
Officer Michael Smith was shot in the face during a struggle with a man in a dentist’s office near McDonough on Dec. 6. A single gunshot critically injured Smith and killed the man, 53-year-old DiMaggio McNelly.
Smith has shown signs of improvement in rehab at the Shepherd Center, Henry police Chief Mark Amerman said in a video posted to Facebook on Saturday.
“Yesterday, he took 10 steps, which is really encouraging,” Amerman said. “Your thoughts and prayers going out to him are very much appreciated; I want to let you know that it’s working.”
However, while Smith’s wife was visiting him recently, she passed out and hit her head, Amerman said.
She was rushed to Piedmont Atlanta Hospital next door and was found to have blood clots. She underwent emergency surgery and is recovering at the hospital, Amerman said.
“Truly, the Smith family is being tested, so I’m asking the community to please continue to send your thoughts and prayers to the Smith family, as they both now are recovering,” he said.
A GoFundMe page to raise money for Smith and his family has passed its goal of $20,000.
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