Elderly woman in critical condition after being struck on crosswalk

An elderly woman from Germany currently living in nearby Clarkesville was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street in downtown Clayton.

The incident occurred Wednesday according to Clayton Police Chief Andy Strait.

Strait said an elderly man, Micheal James Ciochetti, 87, and his wife, both of Mountain City had just left the police department moments earlier thanking Strait and his officers for their services with it being Peace Officer’s Memorial Day.

Ciochetti had come to a complete stop on Hiawassee Street before turning onto North Main assuming he had the right of way and struck the elderly woman identified as Gyan Golden, 64, going 10-15 miles per hour.

The impact on Golden’s hip caused her to fall face forward and she sustained serious head trauma as a result

Fortunately, Strait said it could have been a lot worse but local EMS had one of the quickest response times he has seen so far.

Ciochetti was charged with failure to yield to a pedestrian — additional charges are pending on Golden’s condition who remains at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center.