Georgia State Patrol investigating incident
A Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) School Resource Office deputy was struck by a car Tuesday, Nov. 18, while directing traffic.
A report from the GSP names the deputy as Deputy William Gooch. The report adds that he was hit by 80-year-old Carole Semenchuk.
According to a GCSO press office, the deputy was directing traffic on Highway Five South in the area of Legion Road at Bobcat Trail when struck.
“Keep them in your thoughts and prayers,” GCSO Captain Frank Copeland said. “We appreciate the support that the community always gives us.”
The Georgia State Patrol (GSP) is investigating the incident.
On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the GCSO announced that Gooch’s injuries are not life-threatening, but that he was still in a significant amount of pain. He will remain in the hospital for further evaluation and care.
Sheriff Stacy Nicholson has spoken with Gooch’s wife and communicated to the deputy through her.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vehicle crashes and being struck by vehicles are a leading cause of death for law enforcement officers. From 2014 to 2023, 496 law enforcement officers have died due to motor vehicle-related incidents.
On average, a law enforcement officer dies every week due to vehicle incidents.
The GSP’s report on the incident states that its investigation is not yet complete.