Polk deputy released from hospital

A Polk County Deputy was released this afternoon from a South Carolina hospital after an early morning accident.

At about 8:30 a.m. this morning the Polk County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a reported breaking and entering in progress in the Green Creek area of Polk County. Patrol Sergeant Andrew Durham, along with deputies Gary Cox and Nancy McKaig responded on the call, Lt. Brent Jackson said.

“Deputy Gary Cox, while traveling on Chesnee Highway lost control of his patrol vehicle and traveled into a field,” Jackson said. “The rear end of the vehicle struck a tree and ruptured the gas tank. Deputy Cox was knocked unconscious upon impact. Deputy Nancy McKaig stopped to assist Deputy Cox while Sergeant Durham continued on to the original call.”

Deputy Cox was entrapped in his vehicle and had to be extricated, Jackson said.

The Green Creek Fire Department, Polk County EMS, Polk County Rescue Squad responded to the scene. Deputy Cox was extricated from the vehicle and airlifted by Regional One to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.

Deputy Cox is currently being evaluated at Spartanburg Regional at this time.

Deputy Cox was driving a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria. The North Carolina Highway Patrol is handling the investigation of the accident. Deputy Cox has been an employee of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for four years.