Police Chase in Atlanta Leads to Suspect Running Across the Interstate

Fulton County Sheriff

Atlanta, Ga. - According to Georgia State Troopers, a man has been arrested for causing a serious traffic accident on Interstate 285.

The incident allegedly began when the suspect attempted to flee a traffic stop on Interstate 85. This started a chase from 85 to 285. At some point on 285, he crashed into the barrier wall. He then jumped out of the vehicle and ran into oncoming traffic.

He was then hit by a semi truck while he was running across the interstate. He is now at Grady Memorial with what has been described as non-life-threatening injuries. He will be escorted directly to jail for felony fleeing and reckless driving.

As an Atlanta DUI Lawyer, I will outline the different types of driving behaviors that qualify as reckless driving. This offense is often seen with charges of DUI in Georgia. See the law and examples below.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving examples include (but are not limited to):

• Excessive Speeding
• Tailgating
• Illegal passing
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Ignoring traffic control devices
• Racing other vehicles on a public roadway

Georgia Law defines reckless driving in O.C.G.A. §40-6-390 as:

(a) Any person who drives any vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property commits the offense of reckless driving.

(b) Every person convicted of reckless driving shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months, or by both such fine and imprisonment, provided that no provision of this Code section shall be construed so as to deprive the court imposing the sentence of the power given by law to stay or suspend the execution of such sentence or to place the defendant on probation.

Therefore, if a driver is found guilty of reckless driving, he or she could face up to a year in jail as well as fines up to $1,000.

Practice Note

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