Flags flew at half mast in Bryan County on Friday after an early morning crash on I-95 claimed the life of a Bryan County Sheriff’s Department deputy.
According to Georgia State Patrol Trooper Joel Mock, Bryan County Deputy Robert “Bobby” Crapse, 32, of Ellabell was killed just after 2 a.m. Friday when his K-9 unit car was hit head on by a Toyota Corolla at mile marker 96 in Pooler.
The driver of the other car, Patricia Ann Collins, 23, of Richmond Hill, was driving south in the northbound lane of I-95 when her vehicle struck Crapse’s patrol car, Mock said
Collins was flown by Life Star to Memorial University Medical Center where she remains in serious condition, according to the GSP. Mock said Collins may have been drinking, but the accident is still under investigation.
According to Bryan County Sheriff Clyde Smith, Crapse was on duty when the accident occurred. Crapse and Bryan County Deputy Seth Strickland were traveling from South Bryan to North Bryan while performing traffic enforcement during their shift. Smith said Crapse’s shift would have ended later that morning.
Mock said Crapse’s K-9 partner Seppe suffered minor injuries but will be fine. Smith said the dog will likely be retired and live out the remainder of his life with Crapse’s family.
Crapse is survived by a wife and three children, ages 10, 8 and 6, Smith said.
Southside EMS, Savannah Fire Department, Pooler Police, Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police and Bryan County all responded to the accident.
Smith said he does not know yet of any charges stemming from the crash.
“That would all have to be determined by the GSP,” he said. “They are investigating this and I did not investigate it at all. I was more concerned with the deputy.”
Smith said he is aware of a fund set up for the Crapse family at the Heritage Bank in Pembroke, but noted it was not set up by the department. He said he does not yet know of any memorial or funeral services. He also noted Crapse will be promoted to sergeant before his funeral.
Read more in the June 16 edition of the News.