Bicyclist Hit By Car Katherine Morales Says 911 Didn't Send Help
Mike Gallagher
Atlanta police say they have launched an investigation into a bicyclist hit by a car. The victim says she called 911 after the crash but dispatchers did not send help.
”I was just in shock that the people who are supposed to serve and protect left me hanging, said Katherine Morales.
Last Tuesday, Morales, a Georgia State University sophomore, was riding her bike near the intersection of Ralph McGill and Courtland in downtown Atlanta when a car ran into her.
”He said, ‘Are you sure you’re okay,’ and I said, ‘Well, I have some friends not too far away that can help me out,’ and he said, ‘Okay,’ and drove away, explained Morales.
Soon though, Morales lost feeling in her arm from what she would later learn was caused by a broken collarbone and could not move. She called her mother in Marietta who instructed her to call 911 right away.
”I called the police and they told me that they wouldn’t come out because the other person in the accident wasn’t present, said Morales. ”I started feeling worse. I couldn’t move my arm.
The dazed 19-year-old called 911 again.
”They asked me if I needed an ambulance and I said no because my mom was coming to get me, said Morales.
Again, she said, she was told an officer would not be dispatched.
”I was sitting on the side of the road with a makeshift sling and a busted bike and at least 5 or 6 cops drove by, said Morales.
Morales’ mother, Nancy, told Georgia Newsday, ”They didn't know if she had internal injuries, I didn't know if she had internal injuries.
Georgia Newsday obtained a statement from Atlanta police which said, in part: ”The command staff just received knowledge of the situation...and has started a full investigation of all parties involved. During this process if any procedures were not followed or maintained, disciplinary actions will be made accordingly.
The driver of the car that hit Morales left his name and number but he has refused to share insurance information. Georgia Newsday attempted to contact the driver but has not received a response.
