By Joanna Putman
Police1
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — A Clayton County Police officer sustained minor injuries after a tree fell onto his patrol vehicle during Tropical Storm Helene, 11 Alive reported.
The incident occurred as Officer Soumah was driving home after his shift, according to the report. The Clayton County Police Department shared photos of the heavily damaged vehicle, describing it as “completely destroyed.”
According to the department, Soumah was fortunate to escape serious injury.
“It’s truly a blessing that he wasn’t driving faster, as the tree could have landed directly on the cab,” the department said in a Facebook post.
Soumah was transported to a hospital for evaluation and is expected to recover, according to the report.
“We are relieved that Officer Soumah is doing well and extend our gratitude for his dedicated service to the citizens of Clayton County,” the department added.
Tropical Storm Helene brought severe weather, including flash floods and high winds, to the Atlanta area and surrounding counties, according to the report.
Bystanders initially tried to help the driver, but fled when he grabbed a “large gun” from inside the vehicle
“Sherlock will be able to go into our community and help find and prosecute offenders targeting children,” Cobb County Assistant Chief Gina Hawkins said
“They provide clear documentation of our officers’ interactions. They play a crucial role in evidence collection,” Nick Smith, the director of school police systems, said
After other helicopters failed to reach Unicoi County Hospital because of winds, a Virginia State Police helicopter was able to land on the roof to evacuate 54 people
