Sheriff, Deputy Hit by Suspected Drunk Driver

Courtney Francisco,

GASTONIA, NC — Gaston County Sheriff Alan Cloninger is out of the hospital after a suspected drunk driver hit him Thursday afternoon on Bessemer City Rd near I-85 in Gastonia.

Police estimate Kazundra Mance was going between 30 and 45 miles an hour when she crashed into the back of the unmarked patrol cruiser.

The 53-year-old woman was driving an Altima. Chief Deputy Kim Johnson was driving an unmarked Charger. Sheriff Cloninger was in the passenger seat.

He tells WCCB Charlotte the blow knocked him unconscious.

“I’m thankful if she had to hit somebody, it’s us and not a family with a bunch of kids. I mean that sincerely,” said Sheriff Cloninger.

Paramedics took him to the hospital, where doctors say he had a concussion. Chief Deputy Johnson has a sprained shoulder.

“I first hand got to see the professionalism, the caring concern of all the emergency personnel that responded today,” said Sheriff Cloninger.

Investigators say Mance’s BAC was .11. The legal limit is below .08.