Sitting with Deputy Hollingsworth are, from left, his brother and sister-in-law, John and Tina Hollingsworth, and Mike Hollingsworth’s wife, Debbie Hollingsworth. (Jon Giffin The Vicksburg Post)

[5/9/04]RAYMOND Warren County Deputy Sheriff Mike Hollingsworth says he’s eager to return to work, but just isn’t quite ready yet.

Hollingsworth, injured when he was run over while directing traffic at a funeral procession on U.S. 80 on Feb. 9, was the guest of honor Saturday night in Raymond at a gospel concert and benefit. About 400 people turned out at Hinds Community College to show their support.

Hollingsworth, 38, was injured when a car driven by Ronald Vaughn hit him, sending him flying about 30 feet. He suffered severe head trauma and spent two weeks in a coma and six weeks in Jackson hospitals.

“I’m doing good,” Hollingsworth said three months after being hit.

“I can walk fine, and everything works fine, I just have a little vision problem from time to time,” he said.

Hollingsworth still goes to physical therapy three times a week for as much as eight hours per day and continues to need some support when walking.

He said his physicians have not yet released him to return to work.

“I want to now,” Hollingsworth said. “I just can’t.”

He and his wife, Debbie Hollingsworth, said they are thankful for all the support from the community since his injuries.

“We just want everybody to know how much we appreciate everything they have done for us,” she said.

The concert featured gospel artists, including Mike Hollingsworth’s father, Jack Hollingsworth, and his daughter, Kristen Hollingsworth. Donations were accepted for the family, but the amount raised was not available.

Hollingsworth was directing traffic on U.S. 80 for a funeral when he was struck by the car as Vaughn went to pass the procession. Hollingsworth was initially taken to River Region Medical Center, but was transferred to University Medical Center and later to another Jackson hospital for physical therapy. Throughout, family members and fellow law enforcement officers kept vigil.

Most were uncertain at best about Hollingsworth’s recovery, and even he called it a “miracle” when he came home on March 26.

Vaughn, 23, has been in state custody since Feb. 9 and was indicted last week on the charge of aggravated DUI. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.

Vaughn was originally charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years, but that charge would have required prosecutors to prove that he intended to injure Hollingsworth.