Drunk Driver Strikes Atlanta Patrol Vehicle on I-75, Officer Hospitalized

At approximately 12:15 AM on Monday, November 18, 2024, Atlanta Police responded to a collision involving a patrol vehicle on I-75 near Ralph David Abernathy. The officer involved in the accident was alert and conscious, and was transported to the hospital for evaluation of minor injuries. The driver at fault, later identified as Pedro Thomas, was uninjured.

Preliminary investigations reveal that the officer had activated emergency lights and was stationary, blocking traffic to investigate a prior accident. While in position, a Tesla driven by Thomas struck the patrol vehicle from behind. Thomas appeared impaired, and after consenting to a field sobriety test, he admitted to consuming three alcoholic beverages. He failed the test and was arrested on-site.

Thomas faces multiple charges, including Reckless Driving, DUI, Too Fast for Conditions, Obedience to Authorized Person Directing Traffic, and Expired Registration. He was transported to the Atlanta City Jail.