Community gathers to pray for police officer, woman shot last Thursday

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A woman with her eyes closed holding a little girl. Next to her is another little girl and an older women, also with their eyes closed. — Chelsea Duncan-Walker (left) and her family praying for Officer Matthew Wojtal and the female victim on Friday night. (Sandra Hernandez/HHJ)

WARNER ROBINS — The Houston County community came together on Friday to pray for Warner Robins Police Officer Matthew Wojtal and a female victim, who were shot during a standoff on Thursday.

Attendees gathered in front of the Houston County 911 Center to pray for their recovery. Wojital has been serving with the Warner Robins Police Department for eight years.

Organizer Chelsea Duncan-Walker did not know Wojtal personally, but that did not stop her from putting the event together.

“[In] Houston County, we’re a family no matter what. The best way to come together and make a difference is to pray. It’s gotten me through everything I’ve gone through,” she said.

Walker shared that God inspired her to bring everyone together to pray for the victims. She also gave words of encouragement to Wojtal and the victim.

“You were a victim yesterday, but not forever. Don’t hang on to that,” she said.

Summer Leonard was one of many showing her support. She believes God has done a lot for the victims and their families.

“I think it’s really important that people recognize that and come together and just pray that He does more,” she said.

Leonard shared she is sorry for what the victims went through and hopes it gets better for them.

Another attendee, Jordan Privette, believes it is important to be close to God, especially when something tragic happens.

“I think it’s important as a community to come together, especially to unite under God. We may not be trauma surgeons, we may not be the investigators but we can pray to God and give it to God’s hands and pray for everybody to come together,” he said.

Sheriff Matt Moulton also attended the event, and appreciated Walker for organizing it.

“We need Jesus right now. Our community is hurting,” he said.

Warner Robins City Administrator James Drinkard spoke at the gathering and also said it’s important to come together.

“We need to be one big family. This is the only way we are going to move forward together as a community. We have to be here for each other, we have to heal each other and we have to somehow find grace in one another,” he said.

Drinkard shared regardless of the circumstances, Houston County is a family and they will always be there for one another.