Trooper, suspect injured in shootout along I-75, stretch of road closed

Interstate 75 in Cobb County turned into a crime scene during rush hour Wednesday afternoon after a Georgia State Patrol officer was shot twice by a suspect authorities say the officer was attempting to pull over for speeding. The Georgia State Trooper who was also shot is expected to fully recover after being released from surgery Wednesday evening. The GSP said in an email that the trooper and suspect were shot in a pursuit on Interstate 75 in Marietta. Instead, they say Rodriguez led Fields on a high speed chase for about 10 miles before crashing into another auto.

Trooper Jacob Fields was shot in the leg and stomach just below his vest.

During a press conference, Trooper Jacob Fields was described as a three-year veteran with the Georgia State Patrol.

Dutton said the GBI is investigating the incident at the request of the State Patrol. Officials blocked off Interstate 75 South at S. Marietta Parkway for most of the night, but one lane of traffic was opened around 8:30 p.m. The interstate reopened completely around 10:30 p.m. He is alert and speaking with family at Kennestone Hospital with him.

A state trooper and a driver who led him on a chase on a highway in suburban Atlanta both suffered gunshot wounds after exchanging fire Wednesday afternoon, a Georgia State Patrol spokesman said.

The trooper and suspect were taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital.

The condition of the suspect, who Perry said was shot multiple times, was unknown. He could be in the hospital for a few days, Capt. Mark Perry said.

The southbound lanes of Interstate 75 have been shut down following the chase and shooting.

Perry said Cobb County police officers were able to reach the wounded lawman and the suspect moments after the gun battle. Captain Mark Perry with the GSP said Trooper Fields’ father was a well-known GSP civilian employee. They say the driver got out and fired at troopers, who returned fire.

There is no estimate as to when normal traffic flow will resume. “You can’t say enough about what those Cobb officers did on the scene until EMS got there”.