Deputy hurt in rollover accident
By SHARON KERR Staff Writer

Courtesy photo EMERGENCY PERSONNEL RESPOND to the accident of a Jasper County Sheriff's deputy.

Jasper County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Cunningham is recovering from the Thanksgiving night rollover accident that ejected him from his vehicle, according to Sheriff Ronnie McBride.

Capt. Stacey Chambers said Cunningham was responding to a family disturbance in Evadale Nov. 22. The report said, "The actor in the disturbance had a gun and had report- edly already fired multiple shots."

After the accident, Hardin County officers and game wardens completed that call and made the arrest, according to Chambers.

Chambers said Cunningham was traveling southbound out of Buna when his unit spun out of control. Cause has not been determined, but no other vehicle was involved.

"The unit flipped end over end and came to rest next to the Veteran's Memorial. Deputy Cunningham was ejected from his vehicle. His unit came to rest on its side next to his body. Had the vehicle simply sat down on its wheels, it would have been on top of him," Chambers said.

Courtesy photo JASPER COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTY RYAN CUNNINGHAM was injured in this Thanksgiving evening accident near Buna. Cunningham was responding to a disturbance call in Evadale when he lost control of his vehicle. He was transported to Christus St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Beaumont and underwent surgery on a broken leg Friday, Nov. 23.

Kirbyville patrol officer Scotty Duncan was following Cunningham and was able to call an ambulance and render aid.

Priority One Ambulance Service transferred Cunningham to Air Rescue, who flew him to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont.

Friday Cunningham underwent surgery to put a pin in his broken right femur. Chambers said Cunningham also had three broken ribs, a concussion, and broken collarbone.

The officer was not wearing a seat belt, which is standard police practice when "preparing to exit on a man with a gun," according to Chambers.

McBride said Chief Deputy Jack Jett visited with Cunningham Saturday and found him in good spirits, surrounded by friends.

McBride said Cunningham's parents live in Tyler and that is likely who Cunningham will stay while he recuperates.