HELEN, Ga. — A pedestrian was struck and injured Friday night in downtown Helen by a vehicle driven by Helen Police Chief Althea Barrett, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
The crash happened around 8:50 p.m. May 15 on State Route 17/Main Street near Yonah Road in the busy tourist district.
According to a preliminary investigation by GSP, Barrett was driving a Helen Police Department patrol SUV south on Main Street with emergency lights and siren activated while responding as a backup officer to a reported burglary in progress. As Barrett turned left onto Yonah Road, the patrol vehicle struck a pedestrian.
Investigators said video obtained from an independent witness appeared to show the pedestrian was not in a marked crosswalk at the time of the collision, though he was near one. A witness told troopers the man appeared to be crossing from a nearby parking lot toward a restaurant.
The pedestrian, described as a man from Florida who is approximately 70 years old, was reported to be in stable condition late Friday night, according to GSP.
A photo provided from the scene showed bystanders assisting the injured man in the roadway while emergency crews responded. Traffic in the downtown area was temporarily disrupted as authorities investigated.
The Georgia State Patrol said the scene was documented and witness video was collected as part of the investigation. Troop B’s Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is assisting with the case.
No charges have been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Don’t miss what everyone in town is talking about.
Join 4,000+ locals and choose our free newsletter covering news, events and the stories shaping our region.
