Columbia deputy almost hit by drunk driver

Columbia deputy almost hit by drunk driver

LAKE CITY, FL - A Columbia County Sheriff’s deputy narrowly missed being struck by a suspected drunk driver early Tuesday morning, June 3, as he was providing backup for a second 

A drunk driver just missed a Columbia County deputy, but hit the patrol car.

deputy on a traffic stop.

Shortly after midnight, Columbia County Deputy Cecil Brownfield stopped a vehicle on Main Boulevard for an unsafe lane change. As he was completing the traffic stop and standing on the sidewalk, a truck traveling at a high rate of speed struck the left front portion of Brownfield’s car and continued. Deputy Sheriff Terrance Tyler, who was parked behind Deputy Brownfield, had just returned to his car.

"Someone was looking over my deputies last night," said Sheriff Bill Gootee. "Had the timing of this incident been even a few seconds different, we would have serious injuries - or worse today." Neither Brownfield nor Tyler were injured.

After the driver of the truck, later identified as James Sherman Frier, 47, of Live Oak, struck the patrol car, he continued north on Main Boulevard. Deputy Brownfield and Deputy Tyler, with other backup, attempted to stop the vehicle.

The pursuit continued west onto US Highway 90 where Frier eventually crashed near the intersection of Pinemount Road. Frier, who was injured in the crash, was taken to a local hospital where he was treated in the emergency room.

"Mr. Frier faces multiple charges which include driving under the influence of alcohol, aggressive fleeing and eluding law enforcement, reckless driving and several traffic violations," said Sheriff Gootee. "My deputies – along with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol and the Lake City Police Department – did an outstanding job of getting this reckless driver off the road. This was a very close call not only for my deputies but also for other motorists. I’m just glad it ended without tragedy."

Arrest warrants will be issued for Frier once the investigation is completed.