Cobb sheriff still recovering from traffic accident
Cobb County Sheriff Neil Warren has yet to return to work, three weeks after a traffic accident that caused him to need back surgery.
Warren and Chief Deputy Sheriff Milton Beck were traveling south on I-75 when their car was struck by a pickup truck hauling a trailer. Georgia State Patrol troopers said the truck driver lost control and crossed all southbound lanes before colliding with the Cobb sheriff’s vehicle.
Though he is recovering at home, sheriff’s office spokeswoman Nancy Bodiford said Warren is engaged in day-to-day operations.
“He was released from the hospital several weeks ago and is walking around,” said Bodiford, adding that Warren is still wearing a neck brace as prescribed by doctors. “Although he has not been in the office … he is calling and emailing command staff every day.”
CNN chief medical correspondent Sanjay Gupta was among the doctors who treated Warren’s fractured vertebrae. Beck’s injuries were minor, and he was able to return to work the day after the Aug. 14 accident.
Warren, who joined the department as a deputy in 1974, was elevated to sheriff in 2003 when Bill Hutson retired. He was re-elected to a third term in 2012.
About the Author
A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.
