A Georgia State Patrol trooper knocked unconscious Wednesday night during a traffic stop on an I-75 exit ramp in Cobb County has regained consciousness, the GSP said Thursday.

The trooper has been identified as Cpl. J.L. Thompson, the GSP told Channel 2 Action News.

Meanwhile, the Conyers man who allegedly knocked Thompson to the ground is facing numerous traffic charges.

Troopers stopped 36-year-old Alvaro Jimenez-Santana at the Delk Road overpass for a traffic violation, Sgt. Charles Chapeau said. Jimeniz-Santana initially stopped and had given a trooper his driver’s license, Chapeau said.

“During the course of the traffic stop, the driver decided to go jump back into his car,” Chapeau said.

Jimeniz-Santana then allegedly drove off, sending the trooper to the ground and knocking him unconscious. Jimeniz-Santana drove a short distance before getting out of the SUV and running, Chapeau said. The suspect was located during a manhunt involving numerous law enforcement agencies.

A half-kilo of heroin was found inside the SUV, according to the GSP.

Jimeniz-Santana was charged with fleeing or attempting to elude police, felony obstruction of a police officer, aggressive driving, failure to render aid, driving on a suspended license, no proof of insurance and two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer.

About the Author

Featured

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP