local
Deputy nearly paralyzed in shooting says he’s thankful shooter found guilty
By WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· July 1, 2026
· 2 min read
More than four years ago, a bullet came within centimeters of Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office K9 Handler Neil Butler’s spine.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’ ...
Key takeaway Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Mark Winne spoke with Butler after he learned about Perkins’ verdict.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The guilty verdict for James Perkins brings a measure of closure for Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office K9 Handler Neil Butler, who narrowly escaped paralysis in the shooting. This case also highlights the risks that law enforcement officers face in the Atlanta area, where high-speed chases and violent encounters can have devastating consequences. The fact that Perkins had previous convictions for serious crimes, including fleeing and trafficking, raises questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in preventing repeat offenders from putting the community at risk. As Perkins faces the possibility of a lengthy sentence, the case will likely be watched closely by local law enforcement and community leaders, who will be looking for assurances that the justice system is working to protect both officers and the public. The planned appeal by Perkins' defense team means that this case is far from over, and its outcome will continue to have implications for public safety in the region.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? More than four years ago, a bullet came within centimeters of Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office K9 Handler Neil Butler’s spine.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’ ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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