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GSP still investigating wreck involving officer
19-year-old driver hit policeman on McEver Road
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The Georgia State Patrol is still investigating a Monday wreck that injured a Gainesville police officer but is releasing few details until the report is complete.

Gainesville policeman Justin Martin was investigating another wreck on McEver Road when he was hit by an SUV about 4:30 p.m. Monday.

Gainesville Police spokesman Kevin Holbrook said the earlier wreck involved a disabled vehicle in the middle of McEver Road.

"At the time of the incident (that injured Martin) there was a tow truck on scene loading up one of the vehicles that was involved in the initial accident," Holbrook said.

Holbrook could release few details about the initial wreck Monday, citing a delay in the completion of the traffic report caused by Martin's injury and the department's electronic filing system.

The earlier wreck had involved two vehicles, one of which had run a red light, and caused two injuries.

According to statements from the state patrol's spokesman Gordy Wright, as Martin investigated the wreck, he "was positioned north on McEver Road directly in the intersection with Spring Road" when he was struck by a Jeep Cherokee driven by 19-year-old Jennifer Elizabeth Garner.

He also had his blue lights flashing at the time.

Garner had been driving north on McEver Road behind another Gainesville police officer, according to the state patrol. As both approached Spring Road, where Martin's car was parked, the other officer moved to the right turn lane, Wright said.

Garner "swerved left to avoid striking the patrol car," Wright said. "In doing so, the Jeep struck Officer Martin with its right front headlight and bumper area."

Martin was treated and released from Northeast Georgia Medical Center for injuries he sustained in the wreck, including broken bones, police said.

The city police department did not allow Martin to comment on Monday's incident.

A spokesman for the state patrol says once an investigation of the Monday wreck on McEver Road is complete, officials will determine whether any charges are necessary.

Garner was not injured in the incident.