Harnett deputy to undergo surgery after being shot in face, chest

LILLINGTON, N.C. (WNCN) — The Harnett County deputy who was shot in the face and chest by a suspect Saturday night will undergo surgery this week, the sheriff said.

Deputy James Eric Cook was alert after he was shot by the suspect around 10:45 p.m. on a wooded path near HM Cagle Drive in Cameron, officials said.

Mario A. Garza III, 16, has been arrested and charged in the shooting.

On Monday, Sheriff Wayne Coats said Cook will undergo surgery on Tuesday or Wednesday depending on how much the swelling goes down. He was airlifted to a UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill following the shooting.

Cook was wearing a bullet-proof vest, which saved his life, Coats said.

Also on Monday, law enforcement gathered to pray for Cook at the sheriff’s office.

Cook has been with the sheriff’s office for about eight years.

Garza has been charged with one count each of attempted first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury, and two counts of assault with a firearm on law enforcement.

He is being held on a $1.5 million bond and made his first court appearance Monday.

Authorities are still investigating where Garza got the gun.

A GoFundMe has been established to help Cook.