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Police: ATV Driver Tried To Hit 2 Cops Before Striking And Hospitalizing Officer
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Atlanta police say the man charged with striking an officer while riding an ATV did so on purpose.
Police said 42-year-old Avery Goggans tried to run over two police officers before he struck and seriously injured Officer Maximilian Brewer May 30, during protests downtown.
Goggans is also facing charges of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was previously charged with DUI, serious injury by vehicle, reckless driving, possession of marijuana, and several other traffic charges.
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He tried "to strike two other officers, at different intersections, prior to deliberately driving into Brewer," police spokesman Carlos Campos said in an emailed statement.
Sgt. John Chaffee said Brewer was stationed at the intersection during a press conference to block traffic from going down Marietta Street into an area where protesters were present.
“He was standing near his motorcycle (and) an ATV came past one time,” Chaffee said. “At some point, it turned around, and it was attempting to come back at a high rate of speed, and it struck the officer while he was on foot.”
Brewer has been moved from the ICU into a regular room at Grady Memorial Hospital and he anticipates being released soon to begin the rehabilitation process, Campos said.
A GoFundMe fundraiser set up to help the 18-year police veteran raised nearly $200,000. Brewer is unable to work additional jobs, according to the fundraiser.
"He has four children and a loving family," the fundraiser says. "Please give any amount you can to help with his medical bills and family support."
Goggans remains in the Fulton County jail.
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