The Jacksonville Beach police officer shot twice during a shootout is back home recovering.
Cpl. Bill Eierman, a 16-year veteran, was released from the hospital Thursday, less than 24 hours after the shooting.
On Wednesday, police said the officer was at a traffic crash nearby when he heard a commotion and ran toward gunfire.
A spokesperson for Waffle House said they have surveillance cameras in the parking lot. He said he’s trying to figure out if the cameras captured the gun battle. pic.twitter.com/DT6P1G99pz
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) August 9, 2018
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Action News Jax spoke to his neighbor, Rick Graf, who said he wasn’t surprised Officer Eierman ran toward danger.
“He’s an absolute hero,” Graf said. “Bill’s a great police officer and a great friend, and (it) doesn't surprise me at all that he did that.”
Police said it all started when the suspect, 27-year-old Jovan Sisljagic, shot at a marked patrol car driving on Shetter Avenue.
The suspect was denied bond today in court. You can see his arm was bandaged. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/bROZeqRipQ
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) August 9, 2018
The suspect ran to the Waffle House parking lot, where he was encountered by Cpl. Eierman, and a gun battle ensued, according to police.
The officer was shot in the leg and lower torso, according to the report, which also said the officer returned fire, striking the suspect.
Sisljagic was charged with two counts of attempted murder.
GREAT UPDATE! Corporal Eierman has been released from the hospital and is on the road to recovery. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/HBU2IitRKi
— Christy Turner (@ChristyANJax) August 9, 2018
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