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Man Who Shot Deputy In Face Identified

SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities have identified the man who they said shot a sheriff's deputy in the face as he responded to a call.

Spalding County sheriff's deputy Joe Buice had taken cover behind his patrol car when Michael Stringer, 38, came out of his house firing an assault rifle Friday.

Buice remained in critical condition Saturday after being shot in the face Friday, Channel 2 confirmed.

One of the bullets passed through the car's windshield, the head rest and then the cage before hitting Buice in the face.

A second person, identified as a passing motorist, was also injured and taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. Police said the man in the car received cuts from shattered glass after a bullet hit his car window. He has since been released from Grady. Police said Stringer was killed by two other deputies who later arrived at the scene.

joe buice IM Deputy Joe Buice Joe Buice

Police said Stringer opened fire as Buice drove up to a house near East Mcintosh and Cecil Jackson roads. Buice was responding to an attempted suicide call.

Buice was also taken to Grady Memorial Hospital via Lifeflight helicopter.

Capt. Tony Ranieri said Buice has been with the department for less than a year.

Buice is the former Lamar County sheriff. He lost his bid for re-election.