By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Autopsy suggests suspect died of self-inflicted gunshot wound
IMG_0233.JPG
Jackie Gutknecht
Published: Sep 5, 2018, 3:10 PM

See related:

Knight asks for continued prayer for Officer Cooper

Juvenile shoplifting suspects released to parents

Officer remains in serious condition day after shooting

GBI releases suspects name in Monday's officer-involved shooting

Covington police release identity of officer shot Monday

Covington asking for prayers after officer shot

Officer in 'serious condition' after shooting near Walmart

BREAKING: Officer shot at Walmart

COVINGTON, Ga. - Preliminary autopsy results indicate Aaron Demonta Fleming, 21, died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to a statement from Georgia Bureau of Investigations Office of Public Affairs Director Nelly Miles Wednesday morning. 

Fleming's body was found in the woods adjacent to Little Phillies on Industrial Boulevard Monday afternoon after Covington Police Officer Matt Cooper was shot. 

"Preliminary information indicates that on Sept. 3, 2018, at approximately 12:24 p.m., Covington police responded to 10300 Industrial Boulevard at Walmart in reference to a shoplifting incident," according to a GBI news release. "Officers were advised that a male was seen exiting the store with a bag in his hand.  

"Officer (Matt) Cooper made contact with Fleming and a foot chase ensued.  Fleming ran across the street behind another shopping center where several gunshots were fired.  Officer Cooper was hit by gunfire and airlifted to (WellStar) Atlanta Medical Center.  Fleming sustained a fatal gunshot wound."

CPD Capt. Ken Malcom said a .38-caliber revolver was also located in the woods. 

---

The Covington News will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
Gun pulled at Salem Road Walmart; no injuries reported
Crime - LOCAL
Evan Newton
Updated: May 4, 2025, 4:52 PM
Published: May 4, 2025, 4:45 PM

NEWTON COUNTY – No injuries were reported after a gun was pulled at the Salem Road Walmart over the weekend.

On May 4 at approximately 8:50 a.m., deputies with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) responded to an “isolated altercation” between two male customers inside the Salem Road Walmart in Covington.

According to the NCSO, one of the individuals pulled out a firearm during the confrontation. However, the weapon was not discharged and no injuries were reported. Both individuals left the Walmart following the altercation.

So far, no arrests have been made. The NCSO said it is “actively investigating” the incident.

This is the second major incident that has occurred at the Salem Road Walmart in as many months. 

On April 11, then-Walmart employee Dwayne Eduh entered the store in the early hours of the morning while working and allegedly shot and killed 21-year-old Khalaf Barksdale of Conyers and heavily wounded 29-year-old Ryan Bradley of Covington.

Eduh then traveled to another residence on Emerson Trail where police say he shot and killed 19-year-old Akeela Clarke.

After entering a “brief standoff” with deputies in Aiken, South Carolina, Eduh shot himself, according to the NCSO. Two days later it was confirmed that Eduh had died due to his injuries.

Walmart issued a statement following the fatal shooting:

“We’re heartbroken by what’s happened. There’s no place for violence in our stores. We’re focused on taking care of our associates and supporting law enforcement with their investigation.”

The Covington News has reached out to Walmart for comment regarding Sunday’s incident and are waiting to hear back.