Spalding County Sheriff Dee Stewart suffered a serious head injury and was in a medically induced coma Friday following a traffic accident involving his grandson, who is also a Spalding deputy.
Sheriff's spokesman Captain Tony Ranieri said Stewart, 63, remained in critical but stable condition at Atlanta Medical Center. He has undergone tests to determine the extent of his head injury.
"When he arrived at the hospital the doctors placed the sheriff in a medically induced coma and placed him on a ventilator. At no time was the sheriff on life support, had a heart attack or a stroke," Ranieri said, attempting to "stop the rumors" circulating about the sheriff's condition.
The accident occurred around 1:30 p.m. Thursday when Stewart, on patrol in his sheriff’s Chevrolet Silverado pickup, pulled out of Moose Lodge Road onto Highway 19/41 in Griffin.
Stewart’s grandson, Spalding Deputy Chad Gasaway, was driving his personal Ford Explorer north on Highway 19/41 when he struck the sheriff as he was pulling out.
The impact of the crash knocked Stewart's truck into nearby woods.
Stewart was taken by helicopter to Atlanta Medical Center. Gasaway had minor injuries. He was off-duty at the time of the accident. Spalding Capt. Keith Duncan said Gasaway will be out for a few days because of his injuries.
Duncan said mood was somber but the work of law enforcement continued Friday as staffers hoped and prayed for a full recovery of their top commander.
Everyone in the department is worried about Stewart but “it’s still business as usual. We’ve got a job to do,” Duncan said. Chief Deputy Tereesa Bishop is leading the department while the sheriff is recovering.
Duncan said Stewart’s wife, other family members, a few close friends and his pastor were at the hospital throughout the night.
“He’s holding his own,” the captain said. “We’re just hoping he’ll make a full recovery.”
The Georgia State Patrol is investigating.
Stewart, who has spent nearly 40 years in law enforcement, was re-elected to another four-year term as sheriff in 2008. Before being elected sheriff, he was a member of the Griffin police force.
During the campaign in 2008, Stewart said he would target illegal drugs and wanted the sheriff's department to be more community-oriented. After being re-elected, he told the Griffin Daily News he looked forward to "just being here for the public. I’m here for every person in the world. I don’t make any bones about it. I’ll do anything I can for everyone.”
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