Carrollton police officer seriously injured in Highway 27 traffic accident

Carrollton officer hit by car identified

A Carrollton police officer is recovering after being hit by a car. It happened this afternoon on Highway 27 near Ingles Market.

CARROLlTON, Ga. - A Carrollton police officer is in serious but stable condition after being struck by a vehicle while directing traffic Wednesday afternoon near a construction zone on Highway 27.

What we know:

The officer, whose name has not been released, was airlifted to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, where he remains in the intensive care unit, according to Carrollton Police Captain Shannon Cantrell.

"A vehicle coming southbound struck the officer, knocked him down the road a few feet, then struck another vehicle," Cantrell said.

Highway 27 crash that injured an officer. 

The incident happened near an Ingles grocery store, where one lane had been closed due to ongoing construction. Witnesses say the officer had just taken position under a traffic light when the collision occurred.

"He was right here under the light, and the car came through — boom, hit him," said Reggie Bradfield, who works nearby and saw the aftermath. "A guy came in here running, saying, ‘Call 911, a cop got hit.’"

Local perspective:

The Carrollton Police Department posted photos of Officer Dustin Krish, who has been with the department since Sept. 24, 2022, to its Facebook page late Wednesday evening.

The post calls for prayers for the officer.

What they're saying:

Several bystanders rushed to help, including a woman who ran from a nearby Circle K gas station.

"She jumped out and rushed to him and said, ‘Call the police, call 911, call the ambulance,’" Bradfield recalled.

Cantrell confirmed that citizens were quick to assist. "Right after it happened, there were some citizens who came and checked on the officer right after he got hit."

The officer has been with the Carrollton Police Department for about three years. Cantrell said the department’s biggest concern is potential head injuries.

Police are urging drivers to slow down and use caution in the area.

"It’s a bad intersection," Cantrell said. "We have a lot of accidents there, and with there being construction during the daytime, it’s hard to react if you're going too fast."

Residents in the area say the incident has shaken them.

"I just pray for him, that he’s okay," Bradfield said.

Carrollton police officer injured directing traffic

A Carrollton police officer is in serious condition after being hit by a car. It happened when the officer was directing traffic.

What we don't know:

The Georgia State Patrol is investigating the crash and will determine whether charges will be filed against the driver.

Authorities will release the officer’s name once all family members have been notified.