Crime & Safety

GCPS Officer 'Serious but Stable,' Wife's Statement Says

Jimenez was injured Wednesday morning while directing traffic at Lanier High.

The wife of injured Gwinnett Schools' resource officer Rolando Jimenez said Thursday that he is in "serious but stable condition" after being injured Wednesday when hit by a motorist at Lanier High in Sugar Hill.

Melissa Jimenez's statement, which was released through a GCPS spokesperson, said the officer underwent surgery to address internal bleeding and to set his jaw, which was broken during the accident.

He also suffered a broken pelvis and a knee injury, the statement said.

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"While we know that he has a long recovery ahead of him, we are thankful that he is alive and look forward to the day when he is able to return home and to the work he loves," the statement added.

The driver in the accident, Sydney Smigiel of Buford, is facing "at minimum" charges for failing to obey traffic directions, Gwinnett Police said.

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Smigiel's vehicle struck Jimenez about 6:45 a.m. outside the school, where Jiminez was directing traffic. The accident also involved another vehicle.

Police said Smigiel was traveling southbound on Buford Highway and failed to heed Jimenez's signal to stop. Her vehicle struck Jimenez as northbound vehicles were turning left. Jimenez went airborne and landed in the left turn lane for the high school.

Police said the investigation will continue.

Related content:

  • Buford Driver Facing Charges in Accident That Injured GCPS Officer


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