A Georgia State Patrol trooper was seriously injured during a chase in Catoosa County last week when he attempted to apprehend the driver of a fleeing vehicle by sideswiping it into a spin.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety confirmed by phone Monday that Trooper Scott Parker saw a white SUV around 1 a.m. Thursday speeding in the northbound lane of I-75 near the Ringgold exit.
Parker attempted to pull over the driver, but the unidentified person allegedly sped up to get away, at which point Parker attempted to perform a PIT manuever, also known as the precision immobilization technique.
PIT maneuvers usually involve a pursuing officer using his or her cruiser to push the fleeing vehicle's rear end sideways with the nose of the cruiser, sending the suspect's vehicle into a spin and ultimately bringing it to a stop. In this case, the fleeing suspect responded by swerving into Parker's patrol car.
Parker attempted an evasive maneuver and lost control. His car traveled off the roadway, struck a tree and overturned before coming to rest on its top.
After he was found, Parker was transported to Erlanger hospital in Chattanooga to receive treatment for his injuries.
(READ MORE: Tunnel Hill man, Crandall woman dead after high-speed police chase in Whitfield County)
Cyndi Thurman, a relative who organized a GoFundMe fundraiser for the family, said Parker's neck was broken in three different places and that he received 31 stitches in his head.
"Scott's wife Megan is by his side in the hospital. Megan will not be able to work for a while due to having to take care of him," said Thurman, who is Megan Parker's aunt. "They have a beautiful 5-year-old daughter who is her daddy's girl."
Megan Parker said Monday she could not get into any details about the crash but thanked everyone who has offered prayers or words of support since it occurred.
"We are thankful he is alive and ask for prayers during his recovery," she said. "He has a long road ahead of him."
(READ MORE: Hamilton County deputies use successful PIT maneuver for arrest in high-speed chase)
As of Monday, the fleeing suspect had not been identified.
The GoFundMe made for Parker and his family had so far raised $18,635 of a $20,000 goal.
Last week, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp called for prayers for the injured trooper.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Scott Parker, his wife and their family," Kemp said in a tweet. "Scott was involved in a serious car accident, and we ask that you join our family in praying for his swift recovery."
Contact Kelcey Caulder at kcaulder@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6327. Follow her on Twitter @kelceycaulder.