After spending more than a month in the hospital, an Atlanta police officer who was struck by an ATV during a protest downtown returned home to his family Monday.
Officer Max Brewer was welcomed back to his Henry County neighborhood by colleagues and law enforcement officers from surrounding agencies. He was greeted with hugs and handshakes from Henry deputies, and several children held signs that read “Back the Blue.”
Credit: Courtesy of Dolly Johnson
Credit: Courtesy of Dolly Johnson
The 18-year APD veteran shattered both legs in late May when he was struck by an ATV during the second night of protests in downtown Atlanta.
RELATED: Man who hit Atlanta officer with ATV tried to hit others, police say
Brewer, who works on the department’s motorcycle unit, was assisting with traffic control at the intersection of Marietta and Spring streets May 30 when he was hit about 10:30 p.m., police said.
Credit: Atlanta Police Department
Credit: Atlanta Police Department
“While there, an ATV drove past at a high rate of speed,” Atlanta police spokesman Sgt. John Chafee said. “A short time later, the ATV approached the intersection again at a high rate of speed and struck (Brewer).”
The married father of four and grandfather underwent emergency surgery the following day and spent weeks recovering at Grady Memorial Hospital before his release.
ALSO: Atlanta protests: Officer struck by ATV 'in good spirits' while recovering
Among those in attendance Monday was former Atlanta police Sgt. Dolly Johnson, who supervised APD’s motorcycle unit and worked alongside Brewer before her retirement.
Johnson said Brewer was just happy to finally be home with his family.
“He is a great person and a great friend,” she said. “He would do anything for you. He’s the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back.”
A GoFundMe page set up last month to raise money for the injured officer and his family had raised nearly $211,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.
Avery Goggans, the man accused of intentionally striking Brewer with the ATV, remains held at the Fulton County Jail without bond. Before hitting Brewer, authorities said Goggans attempted to run over other officers.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
MORE: Atlanta protests: Man who struck officer with ATV charged with DUI
The 42-year-old Stone Mountain man is charged with aggravated assault against a police officer, aggravated battery against a police officer, DUI, serious injury by vehicle, reckless driving, possession of marijuana and several other traffic offenses, jail records show.
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Credit: AJC
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