Julian Leon Faulkner, Jr., who was shot after he allegedly attacked a Covington police officer with a sword Wednesday, is reported in critical but stable condition at Grady Memorial Hospital but is expected to recover, according to police.

Neighbors described him as a "nice guy" with depression issues.

"He's a very nice guy," said James Clark, who lives across the street from Faulkner. "He's just got mental issues. The police department knew that, but not all of the officers knew that."

Clark said officers familiar with Faulkner often stopped by to check on him, making sure he was OK. He said Faulkner had lived in his Thompson Avenue home for about a year.

"I saw him the day before and he seemed fine," Clark said.

So did Robert Cartledge, another neighbor who described Faulkner as a friend.

"He's a nice guy, he really is," Cartledge said. "He's a father, a pretty good dad in my opinion. He got his kids a couple weeks each month."

Cartledge saw Faulkner just before he allegedly attacked the CPD officer.

"He's really not a bad guy. He's a normal guy dealing with problems," Cartledge said. "Everybody in this economy is going through some kind of problem. I think he should get some help. Hopefully, this time he gets the help he needs."

Clark said Faulkner had a few swords, but "I never paid much attention to that." He'd never threatened anyone or walked around with a sword before, Clark said, so decorative swords didn't seem a big deal.

On Wednesday, Faulkner 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. When CPD arrived on the scene near Brookwood Circle, Faulkner reportedly raised his sword above his head at the officer.

The officer then retreated from the suspect around his patrol car, drew his weapon and issuing a verbal command. Faulkner reportedly became more agitated and raised the sword above his head again at the officer. The officer fired, striking Faulkner once.