A Spring Hill police officer was taken to an area hospital after an altercation at a popular shopping center.
The incident happened at 6:45 p.m. Thursday at a GNC store in the Crossings Shopping Center in Spring Hill.
According to officials, the officer noticed a Nissan SUV driving recklessly into the shopping center's parking lot. At that point, the officer followed the vehicle into the lot.
The SUV was driven by 33-year-old Brandon McMahan, of Columbia.
The officer told dispatch the driver was hostile and aggressive. Other officers responded to the scene.
We are on scene investigating an assault on one of our officers. Officer discharged weapon during an altercation. Suspect was not hit. pic.twitter.com/Wk5BrNcX4f
— Spring Hill Police (@springhillpdtn) April 28, 2017
During the altercation, the officer reportedly fired his weapon, but no one was hit. The bullet struck the pavement and ricocheted, putting a hole through the front glass window of the GNC.
The officer suffered what investigators described as significant head injuries, a dislocated shoulder, and possibly a broken nose. He was taken to Williamson County Medical Center. On Friday afternoon, authorities confirmed he was out of the hospital and recovering at home.
According to a preliminary investigation, it appeared the two were struggling for control of the firearm when the shot was fired. Reports stated both the officer and the suspect had their hands on the gun.
Once the shot was fired, officials said the officer was able to take a position of control over the suspect, holding it until backup arrived.
Authorities said the officer would be filling out a discharge of firearm report, and they added he would remain on light duty or desk assignment until he's cleared medically to return to his normal duties.
McMahan was booked into the Maury County Jail on two charges of aggravated assault.
The investigation remained ongoing. Anyone who has cell phone video of the incident was asked to send it to Spring Hill Police.
