QUITMAN —
A deputy from the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office was seriously injured Wednesday morning while assisting the driver of a disabled vehicle on the side of the road.
The accident occurred just outside Quitman on Highway 84 East, according to authorities.
Barry Funck, director of the Valdosta Crime Lab, was driving to work in a city-issued 2004 Ford Crown Victoria when it struck the patrol car and the deputy, leaving the Brooks law-enforcement officer seriously injured, said Valdosta Police Cmdr. Brian Childress. The deputy reportedly underwent surgery at Archbold Medical Center in Thomasville Wednesday afternoon, and was listed in stable condition. The deputy’s name was not released by authorities.
According to Valdosta Police Chief Frank Simons, the deputy sustained significant injuries to one leg and some internal injuries, but is expected to survive.
“He’s talking and cognizant and he remembers things before the accident but I don’t know if he remembers the actual accident,” said Simons. “Everybody involved wishes that this morning was different, but we’re just trying to work through this.”
A third car was involved in the accident, but no information about the driver was released.
Childress said the Georgia State Patrol worked the scene, but the VPD is also investigating as Funck is employed by Valdosta and reports to Chief Frank Simons.
“We’ve been in touch with Brooks County all day, and the deputy is in our thoughts and prayers,” said Childress.
Funck was cited by the GSP for following too close, according to Childress, and as a city employee, was subjected to a drug screen Wednesday morning. Childress said Funck is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Childress said the Crown Victoria was impounded and secured for evidence at the VPD until the investigation is complete, and the GSP was examining it late Wednesday afternoon.
The incident is still under investigation by the Georgia State Patrol.
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A deputy from the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office was seriously injured Wednesday morning while assisting the driver of a disabled vehicle on the side of the road.
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Brooks County deputy seriously injured
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