Georgia: Richmond County deputy injured by alleged drunk driver during pursuit

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office has released new information regarding the deputy struck during Wednesday night’s chase on I-520 (Bobby Jones). Richmond deputies were pursuing a vehicle driven by Vernon Cratic III, Wednesday night just after 11:30 p.m., on I-520 eastbound.

Deputies Kyle Gould and Mitchell Black deployed stop sticks on the road near Lovers Lane. Two civilian vehicles drove over the stop sticks, causing deputy Gould to attempt to pull the sticks from the roadway. Deputy Gould was struck by a white Cadillac driven by Albert Leroy Patrick.

Patrick was charged with DUI. The crash is under investigation by Georgia State Patrol.

Deputy Gould was taken to Augusta University Medical Center to be treated for a broken leg.

Cratic was taken into custody after crashing into a tree and leading officers on a foot pursuit. He was turned over to North Augusta Department of Public Safety.