An Atlanta police officer hit while investigating a crash on the Downtown Connector is expected to be released from a hospital Thursday.
The officer is in good condition after sustaining injuries to his head, arm and leg, according to a police spokesman. He was outside his patrol car near the 17th Street bridge when he was hit by a passing motorist Wednesday morning. The motorist stayed at the scene.
It could have easily been much worse, police Sgt. John Chafee told reporters Wednesday afternoon.
“There were multiple vehicle accidents on the interstate near where this occurred, around the same time. We had a very wet morning,” he said. “We just want to urge people to pay attention. If you see blue lights, slow down.”
According to police, the officer had stopped in the northbound lanes to investigate the first wreck about 7:15 a.m. He was hit nearly one hour later.
No information was provided about the driver involved, and Chafee said traffic charges are pending the outcome of an investigation.
Georgia has a Move Over law that requires motorists to move over one lane when emergency vehicles are stopped on the shoulder. Violators are subject to a fine up to $500.
“Slow down, give us a little bit of room as we’re out there trying to free up the traffic, free up the interstate and get things moving again,” Chafee said.
The crash investigations created gridlock conditions on the Connector at the peak of the morning commute, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center. Only an HOV lane was open until the scene cleared at 9:50 a.m.
