UPDATE: Driver whose car hit deputy was reportedly drunk

A Gainesville woman was charged with drunk driving and other traffic offenses after she struck a Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) patrol vehicle and a patrol deputy Saturday night on Atlanta Highway.

HCSO NARRATIVE:

“The incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. in the area of Thurman Tanner Parkway. The HCSO deputy was parked on the northbound side of Atlanta Highway conducting a traffic stop. The patrol vehicle’s emergency lights were activated. The deputy was standing near the front of his patrol vehicle.

The preliminary investigation into the crash determined Heidy Gonzalez-Gonzalez, 45, was driving northbound on Atlanta Highway passing the area of the traffic stop. She failed to move over for the patrol vehicle, as required by law, and struck the patrol vehicle with her passenger side mirror. She also hit the deputy with the passenger side mirror, causing an injury to his upper arm. Following the collision, Ms. Gonzalez-Gonzales continued driving northbound. She was arrested on Valley Green Drive, about one-half mile north of the incident.

Ms. Gonzalez-Gonzalez was arrested and charged with the following offenses:

  • Driving under the influence
  • Open container violation
  • Failure to yield (move over for police, fire, EMS)
  • Hit and run/leaving the scene of an accident.

She posted a bond of $11,660 and was released from the Hall County Jail on Sunday, July 14.

The deputy was taken to the hospital for treatment and released.”

EARLIER STORY. POSTED SUNDAY A.M.: Hall sheriff’s deputy struck by vehicle (wgtjradio.com)