An East Ellijay police officer resigned prior to the conclusion of an investigation into him being shot while off duty.
East Ellijay Public Safety Director Larry Callahan made the announcement Monday morning, Feb. 10. The resignation was effective immediately.
Sgt. Noel Loera, 36, was shot in the upper leg while in Knoxville, Tenn., on vacation with his wife and another couple, Callahan said previously. The weapon used was a Glock .9mm issued as a backup weapon to Loera.
Knoxville police officers were called to the Hyatt Place Hotel on Gay Street at 3:46 a.m., Jan. 26, to investigate a shooting, according to a Knoxville Police Department report.
“Based on our investigation, it was determined that there was a disturbance inside the room involving Mr. Loera, his wife and two other parties,” said Scott Erland, communications manager with the Knoxville Police Department.
“During that dispute, Mr. Loera’s wife picked up a gun that was in the room, and the gun unintentionally discharged during the disturbance.”
Loera was treated for ‘nonlife-threatening’ injuries at the UT Medical Center, according to Erland. The report said he suffered a broken femur and underwent two surgeries.
Knox County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case following the investigation and declined to prosecute Amber Loera, 33, in the case. The case has been closed.
“Loera’s wife did not want to pursue prosecution for any potential domestic incident that preceded the shooting,” said Erland.