School Resource Officer's Condition Improves

BUFORD, Ga. (AP) - The condition of a school police resource officer has improved after he was struck by a vehicle and flung into the air while directing traffic at a suburban Atlanta high school.

Gwinnett police Cpl. Edwin Ritter said Rolando Jimenez was directing traffic at Lanier High School in Buford when he was hit by a Jeep shortly before 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Ritter tells the Gwinnett Daily Post that Jimenez was thrown into the air by the force of the impact and landed on the pavement. He said the Jeep struck a second vehicle, pushing it onto Jimenez.

Authorities say the 48-year-old officer was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center in critical condition but was later upgraded to serious condition.

Ritter said charges are pending against the driver of the Jeep.