Officer shot in Decatur neighborhood
Updated: January 11, 2013
DECATUR -- A neighborhood can't believe what happened. A police officer is in the hospital tonight, after being shot.
It all started around seven this morning when police served a search warrant. They knocked on a door in the 900 block of north Taylor Avenue. When they went in, a man started shooting.
Police say it was 32-year-old Dennis Kendall. He's a convicted felon. The officer is doing okay.
Police say he was shot in his leg, he was in surgery this afternoon around one o'clock.
They say he's in stable condition now. But the neighborhood is still in disbelief that all of this happened.
"I was just down the street from where this happened at."
Jeremy Leisky woke up to a crime scene. Half of the road was blocked off and he had no idea what was going on.
"They had a police officer and a squad car right here."
Police were raiding this home for drugs. they walked into the home, no one responded. That's when police say 32-year-old Dennis Kendall shot through a door. It hit an officer in the leg.
"Police officers are here taking care of us. A lot of people have a grim view of officers, but these people are putting their lives on the line everyday for us."
The neighborhood is beyond upset. They say the Decatur Police Department has kept their neighborhood safe, and can't believe one of their own neighbors is bringing crime to their block.
"When somebody gets shot there's multiple victims involved. It's the family's and friends of the shooter and family and friends of people get shot."
The officer's name isn't being released. Police did tell us he's an 8-year narcotic detective and they couldn't be more proud of his courage.
"Personally knowing the skills and the professionalism of those that were involved. I'm very proud of the men and women of the Decatur Police department and the manner at which they handled things this morning."
The officer is expected to be okay and this neighborhood is praying for his recovery.
"People take lives for granted so easily. They just discount them. But lives are precious."
Kendall was charged with attempted murder of a police officer- possession of a firearm by a felon and other charges.
He's being held at the Macon County Jail.
It all started around seven this morning when police served a search warrant. They knocked on a door in the 900 block of north Taylor Avenue. When they went in, a man started shooting.
Police say it was 32-year-old Dennis Kendall. He's a convicted felon. The officer is doing okay.
Police say he was shot in his leg, he was in surgery this afternoon around one o'clock.
They say he's in stable condition now. But the neighborhood is still in disbelief that all of this happened.
"I was just down the street from where this happened at."
Jeremy Leisky woke up to a crime scene. Half of the road was blocked off and he had no idea what was going on.
"They had a police officer and a squad car right here."
Police were raiding this home for drugs. they walked into the home, no one responded. That's when police say 32-year-old Dennis Kendall shot through a door. It hit an officer in the leg.
"Police officers are here taking care of us. A lot of people have a grim view of officers, but these people are putting their lives on the line everyday for us."
The neighborhood is beyond upset. They say the Decatur Police Department has kept their neighborhood safe, and can't believe one of their own neighbors is bringing crime to their block.
"When somebody gets shot there's multiple victims involved. It's the family's and friends of the shooter and family and friends of people get shot."
The officer's name isn't being released. Police did tell us he's an 8-year narcotic detective and they couldn't be more proud of his courage.
"Personally knowing the skills and the professionalism of those that were involved. I'm very proud of the men and women of the Decatur Police department and the manner at which they handled things this morning."
The officer is expected to be okay and this neighborhood is praying for his recovery.
"People take lives for granted so easily. They just discount them. But lives are precious."
Kendall was charged with attempted murder of a police officer- possession of a firearm by a felon and other charges.
He's being held at the Macon County Jail.
