ALBANY, Dougherty County, Ga., Sept. 18, 2026 — A man was reportedly struck by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicle on Thursday morning, September 17, along the Liberty Expressway in Albany, according to the Georgia State Patrol. The incident began as a vehicle stop and ended with the man pinned under a patrol car.
According to state troopers, ICE agents attempted to stop a van on the Liberty Expressway. They said everyone inside the van got out and ran toward a nearby wooded area.
The man fell in the median during the pursuit and became lodged under the ICE vehicle, authorities said. He was hurt as a result, though the extent of his injuries has not been released.
His family identified him as Edgar Cabrera Gomez, according to relatives who spoke publicly. Family members dispute the account that he was the one driving the van and said he was on foot, running from agents, when he was struck. Authorities have not confirmed who was behind the wheel.
Dougherty County authorities said ICE agents are still searching for two other occupants of the van who fled the scene. No further details have been released, and the investigation is ongoing.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
A Common Misconception About Pedestrian Strikes During Traffic Stops
Many people assume that a person hit by a vehicle during a police or agency stop was standing still or clearly visible when struck. In practice, these incidents often occur within seconds on medians, shoulders, or grassy areas alongside a road, where drivers have limited sightlines and little time to react to someone moving unpredictably on foot.
Weather and visibility play a bigger role in these situations than most people realize. According to the Federal Highway Administration, weather-related crashes averaged an estimated 268,239 injuries per year from 2019 through 2023. That figure reflects how often conditions, not just driver error, contribute to a vehicle failing to avoid a person or object in its path.
It's also a misconception that these crashes only happen at high speed. A vehicle moving slowly through a median or shoulder area can still cause serious injury if a pedestrian ends up beneath or in front of it, particularly when the driver's attention is split between multiple people running in different directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most car accidents happen?
Most crashes occur on local roads and at intersections close to home, though highway incidents involving stopped or slow-moving traffic, such as a vehicle stopped on a shoulder or in a median, carry their own risks for anyone on foot nearby.
What injuries are common when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle?
Injuries can range from fractures and lacerations to more serious internal injuries or head trauma, depending on the vehicle's speed and how the person was positioned when struck.
What typically causes accidents involving pedestrians near roadways?
Limited visibility, sudden movement, and drivers focused on other tasks or people are common factors. Medians, shoulders, and areas without sidewalks add extra risk for anyone outside a vehicle.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Vehicle Accident in Albany, Georgia
If you witness or are involved in an incident where someone is struck by a vehicle, call 911 immediately and stay on the scene if it's safe to do so. Avoid moving an injured person unless they're in immediate danger, and wait for emergency medical personnel to arrive.
Anyone involved, including bystanders, should seek a medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor at first. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries don't show symptoms right away.
If law enforcement or another agency is involved, ask for a copy of the incident report once it's available, and note the names of any responding officers or agents. This documentation can matter later, regardless of the legal steps someone chooses to take.
