Georgia Major Hit Deploying Spikes During Vehicle Pursuit, Loses Leg

A man and woman being chased by several law enforcement agencies hit and seriously injured Dade County (GA) Sheriff's Office Major Tommy Bradford Tuesday, officials say.

Dade County Emergency Services Director Alex Case said Bradford lay down a spike strip on U.S. Highway 11 South. The driver who was the subject of the pursuit reportedly hit Bradford on the side of the road.

Case told the Times Free Press that Bradford lost his left leg below the knee. A response team treated him at the scene, before he was airlifted to Erlanger Health Center.

The pursuit began in Fort Payne, Ala., with the Alabama State Patrol helping. Dade County's 911 center received a request for help as the car approached the state line around 2:01 p.m., Case said. Dade County Sgt. Chip Burrow picked up the vehicle.

After hitting Bradford, the driver of the car reportedly continued north, toward the center of Dade County. Deputies stopped the car around the old courthouse in Trenton's main square.

Case said the man was arrested, but the woman had a seizure and received medical treatment.