FAUQUIER COUNTY, Va. — A Virginia deputy was found assaulted and unconscious on the side of the road Friday.

A Fauquier County sheriff’s deputy was on his way home when he stopped to remove a hazard from the road around 7:10 p.m., WWBT reported.

Someone in an approaching vehicle started yelling at the deputy as he walked to his marked patrol car, officials said. The black SUV drove by, then the deputy was hit in the head with an unknown object.

A driver passing by found the unconscious deputy face down around 7:15 p.m. The good Samaritan called 911 and the deputy was taken to a hospital where he was treated and released, investigators said.

Investigators are searching for the SUV.

Cox Media Group