Holly MatkinRockdale County, GA – Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) Deputy Walter Jenkins died in the line of duty on May 11 after he was hit by a motorist while directing traffic.
The fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Highway 212 and Highway 138 at approximately 9:30 p.m., WXIA reported.
Deputy Jenkins, who was wearing a reflective vest, was out directing traffic when he was struck by a vehicle being driven by a 16-year-old girl, according to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP).
Rockdale County deputies responded to the scene and found their 54-year-old fellow deputy unresponsive, WXIA reported.
He was rushed to Grady Hospital in Atlanta, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators said the teen remained at the scene and was uninjured in the crash.
The GSP’s investigation into the fatal collision remains ongoing.
It is unclear whether or not the driver who struck Deputy Jenkins will face criminal charges.
The RCSO confirmed Deputy Jenkins’ death in a Facebook post on Thursday morning.
“Last night an angel was called home,” the post read. “Deputy Walter D. Jenkins, Jr. was tragically killed while directing traffic in Rockdale County. The men and woman of the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office are extremely heartbroken. Please keep Deputy Jenkins’ family and RCSO in your prayers.”
Deputy Jenkins served with the College Park Police for nearly 22 years before joining the RCSO in January of 2021, WXIA reported.
He spent time working for the sheriff’s office’s motor unit before recently transitioning to a reserve deputy position.
“He was a comedian. He loved to make people laugh,” RCSO Deputy Jedidia Canty told WXIA. “He had a contagious smile about him. It hurts. There are a lot of broken hearts here.”
Deputy Jenkins leaves behind his wife and three children, On Common Ground News reported.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of @RockdaleSheriff Deputy Sheriff Walter Jenkins who died in the line of duty. May God grant him eternal rest. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/kPTgnJx7xC
— NYPD Chaplains Unit (@NYPDchaplains) May 12, 2022
The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office extends our condolences to the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office for the loss of Deputy Walter Jenkins. As he directed traffic last night, he was hit by a vehicle and succumbed to his injuries. pic.twitter.com/GkRMA1LOVa
— Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office (@GwinnettSO) May 12, 2022
🇺🇸 Rest In Peace HERO
Deputy Sheriff Walter Jenkins
Rockdale County Sheriff's Office #GeorgiaDeputy Jenkins age 54 was struck and killed May 11, 2022 while directing traffic.
Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God #ThinBlueLine 💙 pic.twitter.com/gZKtiKcl4A
— East Coast Alert 🔴 (@EastCoastAlert) May 13, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Walter Jenkins, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
