ATLANTA — An Atlanta police officer was critically injured after a car slammed into him and a suspect he was chasing, Channel 2 Action News has learned.
Atlanta police chief Darin Schierbaum said officer Robert Golden was protecting his community when he was attempting to arrest an armed suspect.
Police responded to a disturbance just before midnight in the 3800 block of Jonesboro Road in southeast Atlanta at the Exxon Gas Station. Police told Channel 2 Action News that they responded to the area after receiving a call about a man threatening a woman with a gun.
When the officers arrived at the scene, they spotted a man who matched the description provided to dispatch. The officers tried to talk to the man, identified 36-year-old Charles Arnold, but Arnold ran into the woods nearby.
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Officers who surrounded the area were able to spot Arnold trying to get away. Police said Arnold then ran onto a city street into oncoming traffic as officers attempted to take him into custody.
Police said Arnold continued to physically resist arrest while in the street.
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Channel 2 Action News learned that several cars stopped in the street as the chase was happening. However, Jason Haynes - who is suspected of driving drunk - drove around the stopped cars and hit the officer and Arnold.
Golden sustained multiple injuries and is currently listed critical but stable condition at Grady Memorial Hospital.
Police have not revealed the extent of his injuries. Golden was hired as an Atlanta police officer four years ago.
“Our officer and his family does need our prayers, and the Atlanta police department will be here with his family until he makes a full recovery” Schierbaum said.
Arnold was also injured but is expected to recover. The driver, who hasn’t been identified, is facing DUI charges. He was not hurt. Arnold has been charged with obstruction and three counts of pedestrian in the roadway, among other charges.
“The Atlanta Police Department will be here, with the family, until he makes a full recovery,” Schierbaum said.
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Thomas suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Grady Detention Center.
Haynes was not injured and was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol – less safe, too fast for conditions/prima facie speed, driving-improper/erratic lane change, and two counts of serious injury by vehicle.
Thomas was charged with obstruction, three counts of pedestrian in the roadway, and discharging a controlled substance.
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