A Hinesville police officer narrowly escaped being injured when a suspect accused of breaking and entering into autos fired at him missing him by centimeters. The incident occurred Dec. 18, at 1:30 a.m.

According to Hinesville Police Chief, Lloyd Slater officers James Riddick and Christian Roberts were performing off duty security at a local nightspot on E.G. Miles Parkway and Elaine Street, when they spotted Jason Wilkerson, 23 from Glennville, allegedly breaking into vehicles.

Two officers gave chase when Wilkerson fled eventually capturing him. There was a brief scuffle while he was being handcuffed.

As Riddick and Roberts were bringing Wilkerson to his feet he was able to reach a weapon he allegedly found in one of the vehicles he had broken into. Wilkerson fired once at Riddick striking his pant leg missing him by centimeters according to Slater.

Wilkerson has been charged with aggravated assault against a police officer and is currently in the Liberty County jail.