Police lieutenant arrested weeks after hit-and-run that injured toddler

ROME, Ga. — A 27-year veteran of the Rome Police Department is out of a job after he allegedly hit a 3-year-old child with his car and left the scene of the accident.

Richard Penson, a lieutenant and K-9 handler with the department, turned himself in on Friday, police said.

Assistant Chief Debbie Burnett told Channel 2’s Chris Jose that Georgia State Patrol was called in to investigate.

“These actions are certainly not reflective of the Rome Police Department,” Burnett said. “Penson had a good, solid career with us and did many good works in the community.”

According to an accident report obtained by Jose, the mother screamed, “You hit my child.” The Georgia State Patrol said Penson rolled his window down and the mother ran into the day care.

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Penson told investigators he didn’t think he had “struck the child” while he drove in between cars in the day care driveway during afternoon pickup. He told investigators he waited for a “couple of minutes” before he pulled off.

Managers at the Kid Stop told Jose that Penson and the mother both have children who attend the day care.

“Out of all people, you protect the city and you know the laws of the city. You should’ve known better,” said Tiera Reynolds, who has a younger brother enrolled at the day care. “His child is going to know about that. You picked up your own child while you did that.”

Police say the child's mother drove the 3-year old to the hospital. The child has a foot injury, investigators said.

Penson is facing charges of hit-and-run, reckless driving and second-degree cruelty to children.

Cox Media Group