Wounded Clarksdale officer takes steps, speaks

Cpl. Derrick Couch was shot in the face in the line of duty on Feb. 13, and his condition was grave.

But, he continues to improve a little bit every day. He lost an eye and has some brain damage, but officials said if the bullet hadn't hit the soft tissue in his eye, it would have fragmented and probably killed him.

Clarksdale Mayor Bill Luckett said Couch is in physical therapy now and out of the intensive care unit. Most importantly, the brave veteran officer has taken a few steps.

Luckett said Couch has also spoken a few words, though they're not quite coherent yet.

"He's trying hard, and he's continuing to slowly improve," Luckett said. "He's showing signs of more improvement every day."

Couch has been with Clarksdale Police Department since 2011, and previous to that he had served with the Tunica County Sheriff's Department. While at CPD, he worked with the special operations and community police and patrol divisions.

A benefit for Couch is being held April 22 at Ground Zero Blues Club, sponsored by fellow police officers. Bobby Rush and Ricky "Da Soulman" Burton will headline the event, along with several other artists. The event starts at 7 p.m., and admission is $10 at the door.

Johnny Robinson Jr. was charged with one count of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer in the shooting, and two counts of armed robbery for two separate hits on the Corner Grocery in Clarksdale, according to Assistant Clarksdale Police Chief Robbie Linley. Robinson's bail was set at $700,000 for all three charges.

Leandrew Booker, 20, was arrested on an unrelated outstanding warrant from the Mississippi Department of Corrections. He faces additional charges of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery.

Contact Therese Apel at tapel@gannett.com. Follow @TRex21 on Twitter.

Benefit concert

When: 7 p.m. April 22

Where: Ground Zero Blues Club, Clarksdale

Performers: Bobby Rush, Ricky "Da Soulman" Burton and other artists

Cost: $10