WOODSTOCK, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
The motorist who's accused of hitting and critically injuring a construction worker is expected to be transferred to Cherokee County Jail.
Woodstock police said Kenneth Gonzalez, 53, was drunk when his truck plowed into a construction zone, injuring Joseph Goodwin Friday morning.
Gonzalez then reportedly fled the scene and was arrested in Cobb County nearly four hours later. He made his first court appearance in Cobb County Saturday.
The victim's fellow construction workers said they are thankful that Goodwin is alive, but they remain upset.
"It breaks your heart," said Paulette Rush, an inspector for the Georgia Department of Transportation. "I can't imagine the mentality of a person that could strike another person and then continue down the road."
Rush was one of the first people to help her co-worker after Gonzalez allegedly hit Goodwin and sped away from the scene without checking on the victim.
Rush, who has been employed in roadside construction for more than 20 years, said Friday's hit-and-run reminds her of the job's dangers.
"It could be me. It could be any one of us out here," Rush said. "It was very traumatic. When you are out here every day, you tend to get complacent, but when you see something like that, it really makes you aware of where you're at."
Rush said highway workers have far too many close calls with drivers.
"It's just like we're not here," she said.
Woodstock police have secured warrants for Gonzalez. He is charged with hit-and-run, reckless driving, aggravated battery, failure to maintain a lane, failure to report an accident with injuries and failure to report an accident with property damage
As of Sunday, Gonzalez remained in the Cobb County Jail awaiting transfer to Cherokee County.
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Kenneth Gonzalez
