Banks County deputy struck by vehicle while directing school traffic

A Banks County deputy is recovering from injuries he sustained Wednesday morning when he was struck by a vehicle while directing school traffic, the sheriff’s office says.

Deputy Joe Williams suffered minor injuries as a result of the collision. It happened just after 8 a.m. on August 23 at the intersection of Historic Homer Highway/SR 164 and Highway 98.

The Georgia State Patrol’s preliminary investigation report states that Deputy Williams was directing traffic at the intersection when Francis Small, Jr. of Rabun County, ran into him.

“Small stated he never saw Deputy Williams and began turning left. Deputy Williams turned around and threw his hands up, trying to get the attention of Small. Small then struck Deputy Williams with the front bumper of the Crown Victoria,” the report states.

Deputy Williams complained of neck and back pain following the incident. An ambulance transported him to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville in stable condition. He was treated and released.

According to the state patrol, Williams was wearing his reflective vest, and his marked patrol car was parked in the Golden Pantry exit with its blue lights activated when the collision occurred.

Deputy Williams is a member of Banks County’s Heightened Enforcement Response Officer (H.E.R.O.) unit assigned to the schools. The sheriff’s office says it is grateful for the outpouring of community concern expressed after he was hit.

The Georgia State Patrol has not said whether any charges are pending against the driver. Spokesperson Courtney Floyd says that information is not available “as our investigation is not complete.”