By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Deputy hurt in Lula standoff leaves hospital
Placeholder Image

A Hall County deputy who sustained a serious gunshot wound to the arm in the line of duty was released from an Atlanta hospital after spending 11 days there.

Joe Groover, 35, was released from Grady Memorial Hospital late Thursday, Hall County Sheriff’s Maj. Jeff Strickland said Saturday. Groover has undergone three surgeries so far with more to come.

"He’s resting at home and happy to be out of the hospital, but he will have additional procedures and extensive therapy," Strickland said.

A .44 Magnum slug tore through Groover’s right arm during an exchange of gunfire between 65-year-old Hubert Stanley Tate and Hall County SWAT Team members Aug. 11 near downtown Lula. Tate, who authorities say opened fire on officers from inside his camper home, was killed by a shot to the head from a deputy.

Groover, who is married with four sons, has worked for the Hall County Sheriff’s office for three years as a police dog trainer and member of the SWAT Team.