Driver hits deputy patrol car, injuring one during car fire response

An oncoming vehicle slammed into the rear of a marked Richmond County patrol unit that was working a vehicle fire in the westbound lanes of Bobby Jones Expressway, just before Wrightsboro Road Extension, at about 3:55 a.m. One deputy was thrown from the car and a second deputy was hurt in the crash. The scene is a stark reminder of how dangerous fire-response and traffic-control work can be when deputies are standing guard in live lanes of traffic.

The deputy who was ejected was conscious and alert at the scene and was taken to Augusta University Medical Center for further evaluation. The second deputy had minor head injuries and was also being evaluated. The Georgia State Patrol is handling the investigation, and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Specialized Response Team assisted at the scene.

Authorities said a suspect was arrested after the crash. With one patrol unit struck from behind while deputies were already committed to a car fire, the incident will likely sharpen attention on roadside responder safety, especially on high-speed corridors where a single driver’s mistake can put deputies, firefighters and tow crews in immediate danger.