Dade County deputy sheriff injured in high-speed chase
DADE COUNTY, Ga. - The chief deputy of the Dade County Sheriff's Office was struck by a vehicle while trying to end a pursuit of a burglary suspect Tuesday afternoon.
FOX Chattanooga reported that Major Tommy Bradford was setting up spike strips along Highway 11 at South Cedar Lane near Trenton around 2:15 p.m. when the burglary suspect, driving a white pickup truck in excess of 90 miles per hour, struck him. The major was flown to the trauma center at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga in critical condition. Authorities said he lost his leg in the accident.
Authorities said the woman driving the truck, who was being chased out of DeKalb County, Alabama, crashed in Trenton, Georgia and was arrested.
The Dade County Sheriff's Office issued a statement through their Facebook page:
"Thank you so much for all the calls, messages, Facebook post, and prayers. Our Major selflessly put his life on the line to try to stop the vehicle, who was traveling in excess of 90mph, from making it to downtown Trenton, and potentially harming an innocent bystander. Please continue to pray for him, his family, and our department."
Support from the community came quickly with a post on the Trenton City Police Department's Facebook page calling for blood donations:
"At this time we ask for prayer for our blue family. Please respect the privacy of those involved. You may help by donating blood at local drives that are being set up."
A vigil was held that night with prayers and donations to the family being made by the community.
The Dade County Sheriff's Office's website shows Major Bradford was a school resource officer for the county in 2000. He is married with six children.
The name of the suspect has not yet been released.