Stephen Beck

VALDOSTA, Ga. — The man who shot a Valdosta police officer last July pleaded guilty to the offense Monday, according to the Lowndes County District Attorney’s office.

Stephen Beck, 22, of Valdosta pleaded guilty to one count of attempted murder and one count of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony, Southern District Attorney Brad Shealy said.

Shealy said Beck is facing up to 30 years in prison. His sentencing will take place 9:30 a.m., May 22.

Authorities said Beck made a 911 call July 8, 2016, from Three Oaks Apartments about a vehicle break-in and then ambushed the responding officer, Randall Hancock, who is an 11-year veteran of the Valdosta Police Department.

Hancock was shot multiple times, and he returned fire, injuring Beck. Both men were hospitalized but recovered from their injuries.

After the shooting, Beck reportedly told the Georgia Bureau of Investigation he was depressed, has no malice toward law enforcement and wanted to be shot by a police officer.