A Clayton County police officer was injured in an exchange of gunfire with a suspect, who is in critical condition, officials said Wednesday.

Officers were called about a person shot in the area of Arrowhead Boulevard near Jonesboro on Tuesday at about 5:45 p.m. The suspect, identified as Daniel Neal, 21, of Jonesboro, had already started to drive away when police arrived and followed him, according to the GBI, which is investigating the shooting by police.

They tracked Neal to a home in the 700 block of Summer Chase Drive, where he refused to come out, officials said.

A tow truck driver loads a Dodge Charger outside a residence on Summer Chase Drive on Wednesday morning after an overnight shooting.

Credit: Ben Hendren

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Credit: Ben Hendren

The situation developed into a SWAT standoff that lasted hours.

“After prolonged attempts by negotiators to establish communication with the suspect proved unsuccessful, SWAT officers made entry into the residence,” Clayton police said.

During that operation, “Neal emerged from a hiding place and shot at officers,” the GBI said.

One of the officers was struck in the leg, authorities said, and Neal was also shot multiple times.

GBI agents process evidence on Summer Chase Drive on Wednesday morning.

Credit: Ben Hendren

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Credit: Ben Hendren

Both the injured officer and Neal were rushed to a hospital. The officer was stabilized and is expected to recover, the GBI said. Neal remained in critical condition Wednesday afternoon.

Charges against Neal are expected.

The condition of the person shot near Arrowhead Boulevard was not released. No other information has been released by police.

The GBI will conduct its independent investigation. Once complete, the case will be turned over to the Clayton County District Attorney’s Office for review.

— Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.

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