A man wielding a "medieval" type sword threatened a Covington Police Officer, who then shot the suspect Wednesday afternoon.

The Covington Police Department, Newton County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation were on scene at the 3100 block area of Brookwood Circle just off Legion Drive, shortly after the 12:36 p.m. shooting.

According to CPD Capt. Craig Treadwell, the suspect, identified as Julian Leon Faulkner, Jr. of Covington, was seen walking in and out of traffic carrying the sword along Legion Drive. Callers to the 911 center even reported the man swiping his sword at some cars passing by.

Two minutes after receiving a call on the suspicious person, CPD arrived on the scene, spotting Faulkner, Jr. near the tree line on Brookwood Circle.

Treadwell said an officer stepped out of his car, causing the suspect to raise his sword above his head at the officer.

The officer then retreated from the suspect around his patrol car, drawing his weapon and issuing a verbal command.

"As he gave a verbal command with his weapon drawn, the suspect came more agitated and raised his sword above his head and attacked the officer again. The officer had no choice but to fire his weapon striking the suspect one time."

Immediate medical attention was given to the Faulkner, Jr., 44, by the responding officers. EMS and Covington Fire personnel were immediately notified and responded to the scene.

The suspect was airlifted to Grady Hospital in critical condition, and was being operated on during Treadwell's press conference at around 4 p.m. Wednesday.

An investigation of the incident was turned over to GBI, and the officer's name was not released. He is a CPD veteran of more than 10 years, and was not harmed in the incident. Faulkner, Jr. lived in a location roughly ½ mile from the scene.

According to policy, the officer was placed in administrative leave until the investigation is completed. According to Treadwell this is the first officer involved shooting for CPD in 2014.

Reporter Kayla Robins contributed to this report.