16-year-old driver allegedly strikes Hickman County deputy with vehicle in school zone

HICKMAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Hickman County deputy is recovering after being hit by a vehicle in a school zone Monday afternoon.

According to emergency officials, deputy Jacob Whitfield with the Hickman County Sheriff's Office was hit by a car while directing traffic leaving Hickman County High School Monday afternoon around 3 p.m.

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According to the Centerville Police Department, the agency investigating the incident, Whitfield had been directing traffic on Highway 100 and Bulldog Boulevard — with blue lights flashing on his squad car.

Officials said that's when a 16-year-old driver in a Ford Fusion turned left onto Highway 100. Witnesses told Centerville Police that the vehicle struck the deputy, launching Whitfield about five feet into the air and onto the Fusion's hood.

"I've just been hit by a car," Whitfield said in a call for help obtained by News 2. "I need EMS."

Hickman County officials said that the deputy was rushed to an area hospital where it was determined that he had fractured an elbow and a few bumps and bruises.

"I spoke to him today," lieutenant Mike Doddo with the Hickman County Sheriff's Office told News 2. "He's in good spirits. He's feeling fine."

Doddo added that Hickman County's sheriff, Jason Craft, has made school zone safety a priority.

"I think people just need to slow down, put their phones down, be patient, and just keep in mind there are other people on the road," Doddo said.

Whitfield will reportedly be out of work a few days and then return to light duty.

Centerville police are investigating, telling News 2 that charges could be pending against the young driver.

Hickman County School Principal Robyn Emerson sent News 2 a statement that reads, in part:

"The driver involved in the accident with the deputy was not a student at Hickman County High School. We are grateful to the Hickman County Sheriff's Department for providing a deputy to assist with traffic management. Our thoughts and prayers are with the deputy for a swift and complete recovery."