A Habersham County deputy sheriff was involved in a two-vehicle collision on January 22 while responding to a high-priority emergency call, according to information released by the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol.
Deputy Christian Brewer was traveling westbound on Pea Ridge Road with emergency lights and siren activated while responding to a report of a person holding a firearm to his head and making threats with others inside a residence.
According to the Georgia State Patrol’s investigation, the deputy approached the intersection of Pea Ridge Road and Georgia Highway 384 (Duncan Bridge Road) facing a red traffic signal. At the same time, a second vehicle was traveling southbound on GA 384 with a green traffic signal.
Investigators determined that the deputy failed to exercise due regard and yield the right of way to the other vehicle. As Deputy Brewer entered the intersection, the second vehicle struck the passenger side of the patrol vehicle with its left front. After the initial impact, both vehicles rotated clockwise and struck each other again in a sideswipe manner before coming to an uncontrolled final rest in the westbound lane of Pea Ridge Road.
No injuries were reported at the scene. Deputy Brewer was not transported by ambulance but was later taken to the hospital by his supervisor for routine post-accident blood testing, in accordance with department policy.
Per Habersham County Sheriff’s Office protocol, the Georgia State Patrol conducted the investigation and determined the deputy to be at fault in the collision. As a result, Brewer received disciplinary action consisting of a two-day suspension without pay and additional training on emergency vehicle operation and due regard procedures.
Deputy Brewer was hired by the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office on May 6, 2024, and serves in the Uniform Patrol Division.
