DUI Hit-and-Run on I-75 South in Cobb County Results in Police Vehicle Strike and Pursuit

On December 7, 2023, at approximately 10:14 p.m., a serious incident unfolded on Interstate 75 South near Windy Hill Road in Cobb County, Georgia, when a 2010 white Toyota Camry operated by Ronnie Puckett, 41, of Smyrna, struck a marked Cobb County Police patrol vehicle. The collision occurred while officers were investigating a separate motor vehicle accident, with multiple patrol vehicles displaying activated blue lights. After the initial impact, Puckett allegedly continued past three patrol vehicles, prompting a police pursuit. Officers successfully contained the vehicle at the I-75 South and I-285 split using a box-in maneuver. Upon contact, law enforcement observed multiple signs of impairment, including bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, and a strong alcohol odor. Puckett was arrested at 10:25 p.m. and transported to the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, later releasing on a $7,500 bond the following afternoon.

Location and Infrastructure - The incident occurred along a critical section of I-75 South near its interchange with Windy Hill Road, a major arterial corridor in Cobb County. This heavily trafficked stretch of interstate serves as a primary route connecting Atlanta's northern suburbs to the city center, experiencing significant daily commuter and commercial vehicle traffic. The area where the incident occurred, particularly near the I-285 split, represents one of metro Atlanta's busiest interstate junctions, featuring multiple lanes, complex merging patterns, and frequent congestion. The presence of emergency vehicles with activated blue lights would have been highly visible to approaching traffic, given the relatively straight alignment of this section of interstate and standard overhead lighting.

Legal Rights and Considerations - Under Georgia Code Section 40-6-16, drivers are required to move over one lane when approaching stationary emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights, commonly known as the "Move Over Law." Violations can result in significant penalties, particularly when combined with DUI charges under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-391. In cases involving emergency vehicle strikes, victims may be entitled to compensatory damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Georgia's statute of limitations generally allows two years for personal injury claims and four years for property damage claims. Law enforcement officers injured in such incidents may have additional rights under workers' compensation laws and potential claims against third parties responsible for their injuries. An experienced Cobb County personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources:

• Cobb County Police Department: (770) 499-3900
• Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety: (404) 656-6996
• MADD Georgia Victim Services: 1-800-544-3578
• Georgia Department of Driver Services: (678) 413-8400
• Cobb County Substance Abuse Treatment Services: (770) 422-2700
• Georgia State Patrol Post 47 (Marietta): (770) 528-5140