A pedestrian was struck Friday night in downtown Helen, Georgia, by a patrol SUV driven by Helen Police Chief Aletha Barrett, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
Details of the Incident
The crash occurred around 8:50 p.m. on May 15 at State Route 17/Main Street near Yonah Road. Barrett was responding as a backup officer to a reported burglary, with emergency lights and siren activated, when the patrol vehicle struck the pedestrian.
Pedestrian and Witness Accounts
The injured pedestrian, a Florida man in his 70s, was reported in stable condition. Witness video suggested the man was not in a marked crosswalk at the time, though he was nearby, and appeared to be crossing from a parking lot toward a restaurant.
Investigation
Traffic in the downtown area was temporarily disrupted. The Georgia State Patrol documented the scene and collected witness video. Troop B’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is assisting with the ongoing investigation. No charges have been announced.
