Georgia officer fired after hit-and-run involving child

ROME, Ga. (AP) - A police officer in Georgia has been fired after he was charged in a hit-and-run incident that injured a 3-year-old child.

News outlets reported that 51-year-old Rome Lt. Richard Penson has been arrested and charged with reckless driving, hit-and-run and second-degree cruelty to children.

The police department said in a news release that Penson was off-duty and driving his own vehicle Dec. 17 when the accident occurred at a daycare pickup line and a child’s foot was hit.

It wasn’t known if Penson has an attorney.

Rome police asked the Georgia State Patrol to conduct the investigation.