“It Crossed My Spine”: Georgia K-9 Handler Survives Bullet to the Back as Shooter Faces 60 Years

A Life Changed by a Bullet

More than four years ago, a bullet came within centimeters of Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office K9 Handler Neil Butler’s spine. The incident left him with life-altering injuries, but now he’s back at work, and the shooter, James Perkins, has been found guilty. Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Mark Winne spoke with Butler after he learned about Perkins’ verdict.

Butler expressed his gratitude for the support from the district attorney’s office during this difficult time. He shared his experience of that fateful day in June 2022 when police tried to pull Perkins over in a stolen vehicle from Florida. The situation escalated quickly as Perkins sped off, leading to a crash in an apartment complex where he barricaded himself inside the SUV.

It was during this confrontation that Perkins began shooting at deputies, including Butler. “I felt the shot in my back,” he recalled. “It crossed and came right out on top of my spine.”

The Trial and Its Impact

During the trial, jurors were shown body camera video and heard testimony from officers involved in the incident. This provided a firsthand account of what happened, allowing the jury to see the officers not just as professionals, but as human beings. Gwinnett County Managing District Attorney Lauren McAuley emphasized the importance of this approach.

“I think it was important for the jurors to not only see the body-worn camera from the officers, but to hear the testimony from the officers about what they experienced in the moment firsthand, so that they could see those officers as human beings,” McAuley said.

Prosecutors highlighted that Perkins had previous convictions for fleeing, trafficking, cocaine, and guns. He was found guilty on 18 counts and faces the possibility of a 60-year sentence along with another 50 years of probation.

A Message of Protection and Collaboration

Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson expressed her relief that no fatalities occurred during the incident. She emphasized the importance of protecting officers and praised the collaboration between different parties involved.

“We have to make sure that our officers are protected. And I’m thankful that we could collaborate, come together, and there was no fatality in this incidence,” she said.

McAuley noted that Perkins took the stand in his own defense. When asked if he liked fleeing, he admitted that he did. Despite this, the jury found him guilty, highlighting the gravity of his actions.

The Path Forward

Perkins’ defense attorney, Kenneth Sheppard, stated that they plan to appeal the conviction. This development adds another layer to the ongoing legal process surrounding the case.

The case serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. It also underscores the need for continued support for officers who risk their lives daily to protect their communities.

As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice is served and that the lessons learned from this incident contribute to safer environments for all.