Gainesville police officers hospitalized, suspect critically injured after shootout, department says

Share Add Us On Google Add as a preferred source on Google ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Two police officers were sent to the hospital and a suspect was critically injured after a shootout Thursday, according to the Gainesville Police Department. Gainesville police officers responded to a domestic disturbance involving a man and woman in the back of the New Holland Market shopping center, the department said in a statement late Thursday afternoon. Upon arrival, the man fired at the officers, police said. At least one officer returned fire, hitting the suspect, according to Capt. Kevin Holbrook with Gainesville police, who briefed reporters Thursday night. Holbrook said officers heard gunfire as they arrived. The suspect is also believed to have fired shots before the officers arrived. The suspect was taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition. His identity has not been released. The officers were taken to the hospital for medical evaluation and observation, Holbrook said. In an earlier statement, the department said one officer was sent to the hospital. Holbrook said that both officers “are doing well physically,” but “unfortunately, I can’t say they’re doing the same mentally.” Gainesville police said they have asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to investigate the incident, which is customary for shootings involving law enforcement. This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates. Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.