Athens-Clarke County police and the Georgia Bureau of investigation have identified the officer who shot a domestic abuse suspect on Saturday as Roger Williams. The suspect is Salvador Salazar, a 28-year-old North Carolina resident.
Williams responded to a call about domestic violence at a Baxter Street apartment shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday. When he arrived, Salazar was holding a machete, according to ACCPD.
“Shortly after the initial encounter, the man brandished a knife in a threatening manner toward our officer,” police said Sunday. “Fearing for his life, our officer discharged his service weapon struck the male in the torso.”
Williams rendered first aid, and Salazar was taken to a local hospital, where he is in serious condition. Salazar has been charged with one count of aggravated assault on a peace officer.
As with all officer-involved shootings, the GBI is investigating.
The shooting was the 66th by a police officer in Georgia so far this year, and the fourth in Athens.
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