Atlanta Journal Constitution: On Friday night, police reported to a neighborhood in southwestern Atlanta after getting a report about possible drug activity.  35-year-old Reggie Robinson was one of the officers on the scene.

He chased down a suspect, 20-year-old Frank Nance . . . until Nance turned on him and FIRED A SHOT at his FACE.  It hit Robinson in the face . . . then other cops took down Nance.

And even though Robinson was the one who was shot in the face . . . Nance's face might've ended up looking WORSE.  Because he's BEAT UP in his mugshot.

The police wouldn't comment on WHY Nance ended up getting so beat up, but they said they'll review to make sure the other cops followed proper procedures.

Robinson is in the hospital recovering from the gunshot wound to his face.  He's in stable condition.  Nance was arrested on several charges.