UNION CITY, Ga. — A Union City officer, who is now a lieutenant, was honored Tuesday for his service after he was shot six times in 2019.

On April 2, 2019, just before 6 p.m., Lt. J. Turner was called to Stonewall Drive about a fight. According to police, Turner was following up on leads in the case that led him to Highpoint Road.

Turner reportedly told dispatch that he was chasing a suspect, later identified as 19-year-old Veltavious T. Griggs, and that Griggs flashed a gun.

Dispatch then lost contact with Turner. Moments later, authorities said Griggs shot Turner six times in the upper and lower torso. Turner reportedly shot back, killing Griggs.

This week, Turner was awarded the National Law Enforcement Purple Heart Award and Medal of Valor pin and ribbon.

According to the National Association of Chiefs of Police, the Police Purple Heart is awarded to officers who are injured or disabled in the line of duty. The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor is the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer, the Office of Justice Programs states.

“Although the end result of this encounter was tragic, this day still remains one that resonates with the agency and law enforcement community today,” the Union City Police Department said in a post on Facebook. “We thank you for your continued service, in serving citizens and visitors alike in Union City.”

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