Decatur Man Sentenced for Dragging Officer During Traffic Stop in Dunwoody

A Decatur man who injured a police officer during a 2019 traffic stop in Dunwoody has been sentenced to 25 years, with 10 years to be served in confinement, following a guilty plea to multiple charges.

Derric Alexander Simpson, 40, entered a non-negotiated guilty plea on January 27 to charges including Aggravated Assault Against a Law Enforcement Officer, two counts of Aggravated Battery, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, multiple drug possession and distribution charges, and firearms offenses.

The incident occurred on August 1, 2019, when Dunwoody Police officers patrolling Ashford Dunwoody Road observed Simpson using his cell phone while driving, violating Georgia’s hands-free law. Officers pulled Simpson over near the I-285 entrance ramp. During the stop, they detected the smell of marijuana coming from the car.

Officer Nathan Daley asked Simpson about the odor and requested to search the vehicle. Instead of complying, Simpson attempted to flee, putting the car in gear and accelerating while Officer Daley was partially inside the vehicle attempting to grab the keys. Simpson drove onto the entrance ramp at high speed with Officer Daley hanging out of the car window.

As Simpson swerved through traffic, he sideswiped a van, causing Officer Daley to fall onto the pavement. The van driver narrowly avoided running over Daley, who suffered road rash, a severed ligament, and a gash above his eye. He was transported to Northside Hospital for treatment.

Simpson continued fleeing on I-285, reaching speeds over 100 mph and striking five vehicles before crashing into a side wall. After abandoning his car, Simpson was arrested following a brief foot chase. A search of his vehicle revealed controlled substances, cash, a scale, and a firearm.

DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Nora Polk sentenced Simpson to 25 years, with 10 years to be served in custody without eligibility for early parole due to his prior criminal history. The remainder of the sentence will be served on probation.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Ryan Patrick, with assistance from Senior ADA Thomas Williams, Investigator Edwin Perkins, and Victim Advocate Mariana Salgado. Dunwoody Police Department Detective Gilbert led the initial investigation.