CEDARTOWN, Ga. – A Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy was injured Thursday morning in a multi-vehicle accident while on duty, authorities reported.

According to preliminary information, Deputy Ben Watson was traveling eastbound on Highway 278 near the western ramp of Highway 27 at approximately 6:54 a.m. when another vehicle, heading westbound on Highway 278, turned left across his path.

Deputy Watson reportedly attempted to take evasive action to avoid the collision. His patrol vehicle then struck a stop sign at the intersection, collided with a second vehicle that was yielding to eastbound traffic, and ultimately left the roadway, entering a culvert before coming to rest against an embankment.

Deputy Watson was transported by Advent Redmond EMS to a local medical center with injuries. No other individuals involved in the crash reported injuries. The driver of the vehicle that caused the incident fled the scene.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the fleeing vehicle to contact them at 770-749-2901.

Authorities thanked all responding agencies, including Polk County E-911, Advent Health EMS, Cedartown Fire Department, Cedartown Police Department, Polk County Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol, for their assistance.

The investigation is being handled by the Georgia State Patrol, Post 3 in Cartersville, and officials can be reached at 770-387-4056 for further inquiries.