A Banks County deputy faces “a long road of recovery” after getting struck by a vehicle while pursuing a suspect on foot Friday evening, the sheriff’s office said.

Sgt. Joshua Robertson was struck just before 9 p.m. after conducting a traffic stop along Steve Reynolds Industrial Parkway near U.S. 441, police said.

According to a sheriff’s office Facebook post, one of the men in the vehicle fled during an arrest and the deputy was struck while chasing him.

Robertson was taken to Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center with “a multitude of injuries,” including broken bones and fractures, the sheriff’s office said.

In a post Saturday evening, the department said Robertson is alert and speaking with family and friends, but that he faces a long road of recovery.

“It is estimated to be at least one year before he will return to doing what he loves at BCSO,” the department wrote. “Along with surgeries, healing, and physical therapy, he will need support in so many ways. Make no mistake, we will ensure that every step of the way he and his family have that support.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise money for the deputy's medical expenses.

The fleeing suspect, who was not named, is being held at the Banks County jail, police said.

In other news: 

Frustrated parents told Channel 2’s Matt Johnson that the people inside the car put children’s safety at risk.

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