Athens-Clarke County Cop Fired For Running Over Suspect (Video)

ATHENS, GA — A police officer who ran over a fleeing suspect has been fired. The Athens-Clarke County Police Department on Saturday released body camera footage that shows a police cruiser pursuing suspect Timmy Patmon.

Video shows a police cruiser on the evening of June 1 pull in front of the running suspect to cut off his path, but Patmon crosses the street and continues fleeing. The cruiser then crosses the street and plows into a sprinting Patmon. The impact sends him up onto the windshield on the right side of the car. He falls off the car and police put him in handcuffs as he lies facedown on the roadway.

The incident happened near the area of Vine Street and Nellie B Avenue in Athens. Patmon had a felony probation warrant at the time. Patmon was rushed to a hospital for evaluation and suffered scrapes and bruises from the impact. He was medically cleared to be arrested, police said, and was later turned over to the Clarke County jail.

Police Chief Scott Freeman reviewed body camera footage as well as other circumstances in the case and decided to fire Officer Taylor Saulters.

Police said Patmon fled on foot after officers confirmed the validity of the warrant and tried to talk to him. During the ensuing chase, Saulters at one point struck a curb and flattened his driver’s side front tire, police said.

Patmon is charged with violating his probation and obstructing a law enforcement officer.

A spokesman told the Athens Banner-Herald that Saulters, who graduated from the police academy less than a year ago, didn't follow police policies and procedures.

“This was not the kind of conduct we would expect from an Athens-Clarke County police officer,” said spokesman Epifanio Rodriguez.

Photo credit: Screenshot of bodycam footage via Athens-Clarke County Police Department Facebook page