Henry County Police Officer Shot, In Critical Condition

MCDONOUGH, GA -- A Henry County police officer was shot in the face on Thursday morning after an altercation at a Jonesboro Road dental office. Officer Michael Smith responded to reports of a man making a disturbance at Smile Creators in McDonough. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, employees of the business called 911 around 8 am. Smith arrived and made contact with the subject, now identified as Dimaggio McNelly, 53, of McDonough.

The GBI said McNelly became combative and Smith deployed his Taser on him more than once. McNelly then lunged at Smith and, at some point during the struggle, one shot was fired, striking both McNelly and Smith. McNelly was pronounced deceased at the scene and will be transported to the GBI for autopsy, scheduled for Friday, Dec. 7.

Smith was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital and is currently listed in critical condition.

Image GBI