Atlanta protests: Man who struck officer with ATV charged with DUI

An Atlanta police was injured after being struck by an ATV Saturday night. (Photo: WSB Radio)

An Atlanta police was injured after being struck by an ATV Saturday night. (Photo: WSB Radio)

The man accused of striking an officer with an ATV has been charged with driving under the influence, Atlanta police said late Sunday.

Officer Maximilian Brewer is recovering at Grady Memorial Hospital after being hit Saturday night, according to police. Brewer had surgery early Sunday and remains in the hospital’s intensive care unit, Sgt. John Chafee said in an emailed statement.

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The officer was injured during what became a chaotic protest Saturday evening. The officer was assisting with traffic control at the intersection of Marietta and Spring streets when he was hit around 10:30 p.m., according to Chafee.

Officer Maximilian Brewer was recovering from surgery Sunday at Grady Memorial Hospital. (APD photo)

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“While there, an ATV drove past at a high rate of speed,” Chafee said. “A short time later, the ATV approached the intersection again at a high rate of speed and struck the officer.”

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The officer had “significant injuries” to both legs and was taken to Grady by a Georgia National Guard medical unit, according to police.

The ATV rider was taken into custody and was treated at Grady for minor injuries, police said. Police found a small amount of marijuana and a handgun on the ATV rider.

On Sunday, police identified the driver of the ATV as 42-year-old Avery Goggans. Goggans has been charged with DUI, serious injury by vehicle, reckless driving, possession of marijuana and several other traffic charges, according to police.

The crash remains under investigation.