By Joe Johnson
A police officer was injured last week when a suspect being chased by other officers ran a red light and crashed into his unmarked police car.
Officer George Cahoon was transported by ambulance to the hospital where he was treated for a concussion, broken nose, concussion, and whiplash.
The incident occurred at around 6:20 p.m. on December 27 at the intersection of North Milledge Avenue and Hill Street when a Honda Accord blew through a red light and crashed into Cahoon’s unmarked police vehicle.
The driver, 19-year-old Kemorion Brown, had sped away from an attempted taffic stop and was being pursued by officers in marked police units.
During the chase that began in the area of North Chase Street and West Hancock Avenue, Brown reportedly drove the Honda through people’s yards, on the wrong side of the road, and through stop signs at high speeds.
Brown was said to have reeked of smoked marijuana, but none was found. He appeared to be intoxicated, but was too disorderly to be field tested, according to police, who said he continued to act up while in custody and tried to kick out the window of a patrol car.
Cahoon’s police vehicle was so badly damaged that it was inoperable and the 35-year-old officer had to be helped out through a window. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital.
Brown had run from the scene but he was soon located at the Taylor Grady House on Prince Avenue.
He was arrested and charged with felony hit and run, felony fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, obstruction, and multiple other traffic violations.
At the time of the incident, Brown was free on bonds for an arrest in September when he was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, felony obstruction of a law enforcement officer, and misdemeanor battery against a police officer. Court records indicate that Brown had kicked an officer in the stomach and chest.
He was denied bail after his most recent arrest.
Good luck, Kemorion.