CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Forest Park police officer and former volunteer firefighter is sharing the details about the night he and another officer were shot during a traffic stop.
Cpl. Tim Sterrett and Officer Demarkus Hutcherson attempted to pull over James Jacob Bailey in November near Mitchell Street in Forest Park. Bailey shot at the officers, and they returned fire, killing him.
Sterrett told Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne that he knew he needed to keep calm after being shot.
Sterrett told Winne that "the man upstairs" saved him.
“I said, ‘Hey man, this ain’t your house,’ and as soon as I did that I heard a pop and I blacked out,” Sterrett said. “As I was falling apparently I returned fire. When I woke up on the ground, I saw him standing above me. The pistol was in his left hand.”
“I’m still breathing. The man upstairs said I still have a purpose,” Sterrett said. “I’m blessed that he gave me another chance down here to serve the citizens.”
Sterrett said he was trying to help Bailey park his motorcycle when Bailey pulled out a gun.
“As soon as I pulled the kickstand down, he went for his waistband and did a motion like this. First thing that came to my mind was a weapon,” Sterrett said.
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