The Macon Telegraph
MACON, Ga. — A Macon-Bibb County firefighter is listed in critical but stable condition at The Medical Center of Central Georgia after he was struck by a motorist Thursday morning.
Macon-Bibb County Fire Chief Marvin Riggins said that as of early evening Thursday, Sgt. Eric John, 42, was in surgery for more than two hours after sustaining multiple injuries after being struck by a Toyota Camry. He is a 20-year veteran currently serving out of Fire Station No. 104.
“(The situation) was not good from the last report I got,” Riggins said. “I’m not real sure of the full extent of his injuries. I know he has multiple internal injuries.”
Lt. Sean DeFoe of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office said John, other firefighters and deputies were working to clean up a wreck on Interstate 75 northbound about 9:40 a.m. near the Sardis Church Road exit. John was speaking with a deputy when the Camry, driven by Nayef Mohammad Shroof, 18, of Warner Robins, struck John and narrowly missed the deputy, DeFoe said.
No charges have been filed against Shroof, DeFoe said, because the case is still under investigation. DeFoe said that part of the investigation will include a team from the sheriff’s office that will include examining skid marks and using special equipment to give investigators an idea of the conditions that led to the accident.
Doctors needed time to stabilize John to make sure he was strong enough to undergo surgery, Riggins said.
“He’s done an outstanding job for us,” Riggins said. “He’s an outstanding firefighter and very good EMT.”
Members of John’s family, along with several city and county officials, have been at the hospital, along with the department’s chaplains.
“We’re kind of just holding on,” Riggins said. “We’re praying and hoping it turns out well. He’s not out of the woods. (Doctors) are still trying to resolve this.”
Copyright 2013 The Macon Telegraph
All Rights Reserved